Gregg, Dixon, Carnegie, Singo make a play on QF
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You've got to be kidding.
Face it, Ultergra - there are plenty of people around that have never even applied to QF that are happy that they work for other airlines, 
and;
Your lot are just as poor at spelling, grammar and punctuation as anyone else in this industry. Just read any thread here, or in Qrewroom
and;Your lot are just as poor at spelling, grammar and punctuation as anyone else in this industry. Just read any thread here, or in Qrewroom
More news articles popping up Article 1 - The Australian
RETAIL king Gerry Harvey and his wife Katie Page have emerged as surprise investors in a private trust controlled by a group of wealthy investors that has purchased a small stake in Qantas with a view to pushing for strategic change at the airline.
It is understood Mr Harvey and Ms Page have joined former Qantas chief Geoff Dixon, former CFO Peter Gregg, venture capitalist Mark Carnegie and adman John Singleton in buying a stake
None of those involved would comment yesterday, including Mr Harvey, but Mr Gregg told The Australian last week that the group was interested because "it saw value in the share price".
"The share price just doesn't reflect the value in the company," he said.
The group bought its stake through a private trust so it could not be detected by the airline.
And Article 2 The Australian
Given the extraordinary coverage dedicated to 1.5 per cent of the share register, one can only assume the consortium wanted their existence known in the hope of flushing out new backers and, at the very least, a firm commitment from the 16 per cent of the register that approached the team to back them to become more activist.
The consortium was formed around May and started investing in June at about $1.15 a share so it has already gained about 12 per cent or $4.7 million.
The remaining members - Geoff Dixon, Peter Gregg, John Singleton, Gerry Harvey and Mark Carnegie - have funded their stake in part with debt so the returns would be higher. So far so goodl; they made the right call.
Qantas is angry at Geoff Dixon, alleging he is conflicted in his dual role as head of Tourism Australia and also Qantas investor. That’s a stretch because Qantas should welcome new investors. If Dixon has not raced to publicly endorse the Emirates deal then that’s hardly a crime so the undisguised anger from the Qantas camp tells you plenty about its state of mind.
The concept of former executives taking pot shots at the company is, of course, plain wrong and not fair to Alan Joyce or Leigh Clifford.
It would be a different matter if the consortium had a 5 to 10 per cent stake. It may also be different if the consortium sold its plan by stating how it would operate the airline to drum up support.
RETAIL king Gerry Harvey and his wife Katie Page have emerged as surprise investors in a private trust controlled by a group of wealthy investors that has purchased a small stake in Qantas with a view to pushing for strategic change at the airline.
It is understood Mr Harvey and Ms Page have joined former Qantas chief Geoff Dixon, former CFO Peter Gregg, venture capitalist Mark Carnegie and adman John Singleton in buying a stake
None of those involved would comment yesterday, including Mr Harvey, but Mr Gregg told The Australian last week that the group was interested because "it saw value in the share price".
"The share price just doesn't reflect the value in the company," he said.
The group bought its stake through a private trust so it could not be detected by the airline.
And Article 2 The Australian
Given the extraordinary coverage dedicated to 1.5 per cent of the share register, one can only assume the consortium wanted their existence known in the hope of flushing out new backers and, at the very least, a firm commitment from the 16 per cent of the register that approached the team to back them to become more activist.
The consortium was formed around May and started investing in June at about $1.15 a share so it has already gained about 12 per cent or $4.7 million.
The remaining members - Geoff Dixon, Peter Gregg, John Singleton, Gerry Harvey and Mark Carnegie - have funded their stake in part with debt so the returns would be higher. So far so goodl; they made the right call.
Qantas is angry at Geoff Dixon, alleging he is conflicted in his dual role as head of Tourism Australia and also Qantas investor. That’s a stretch because Qantas should welcome new investors. If Dixon has not raced to publicly endorse the Emirates deal then that’s hardly a crime so the undisguised anger from the Qantas camp tells you plenty about its state of mind.
The concept of former executives taking pot shots at the company is, of course, plain wrong and not fair to Alan Joyce or Leigh Clifford.
It would be a different matter if the consortium had a 5 to 10 per cent stake. It may also be different if the consortium sold its plan by stating how it would operate the airline to drum up support.
Last edited by 1a sound asleep; 26th Nov 2012 at 08:14.
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The concept of former executives taking pot shots at the company is, of course, plain wrong and not fair to Alan Joyce or Leigh Clifford.
Oh please save me, if they had done their jobs, engaged staff, not pissed off the government, built a business or taken strategic decisions other than selling out, the company would never have been exposed.
Oh please save me, if they had done their jobs, engaged staff, not pissed off the government, built a business or taken strategic decisions other than selling out, the company would never have been exposed.
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Consortium's Problem
With all the talk about the consortium from the consortium they are making their target more expensive by pushing the share price up.Making a few bucks on the side I know.....
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I don't think there is a staff member alive who wants Dixon and Gregg involved in Qantas again.
We have not had a CEO worth squat since Tubby Ward. Since privatisation they have sold off, raped and pillaged the business for their own personal gain. Fellow executives have been complicit in the destruction of this once great company. They are liars and not worthy of the respect of the staff.
This country is in a leadership vacuum in all areas apart from the mums and dads who get on with living their lives despite the **** thrown at them from business, political and religious leaders.
We must tread very carefully or we are headed for an abyss that will change the Australian way of life for generations. Start asking the hard questions and demanding answers.
We have not had a CEO worth squat since Tubby Ward. Since privatisation they have sold off, raped and pillaged the business for their own personal gain. Fellow executives have been complicit in the destruction of this once great company. They are liars and not worthy of the respect of the staff.
This country is in a leadership vacuum in all areas apart from the mums and dads who get on with living their lives despite the **** thrown at them from business, political and religious leaders.
We must tread very carefully or we are headed for an abyss that will change the Australian way of life for generations. Start asking the hard questions and demanding answers.
The value of Qantas to various people differs markedly.
To a narcissist, controlling Australia's own national airline gives them a seat at the top table in Canberra. It also means that they outrank any state premiere since they have them by the balls due to the effect on international business investment on the frequency of direct international flights.
To Carnegie and the VC mob Qantas means three billion in cash that can be paid to themselves after replacing the money with debt. Mitt Romney made millions doing this.
To Harvey, Singo and the like, Qantas is leverage over state and federal governments. You would expect to see Rhinehart and Forrest on the list eventually.
Gough whitlam got it right: " being made a Director of Qantas is the Australian equivalent to being sent to the house of lords".
To a narcissist, controlling Australia's own national airline gives them a seat at the top table in Canberra. It also means that they outrank any state premiere since they have them by the balls due to the effect on international business investment on the frequency of direct international flights.
To Carnegie and the VC mob Qantas means three billion in cash that can be paid to themselves after replacing the money with debt. Mitt Romney made millions doing this.
To Harvey, Singo and the like, Qantas is leverage over state and federal governments. You would expect to see Rhinehart and Forrest on the list eventually.
Gough whitlam got it right: " being made a Director of Qantas is the Australian equivalent to being sent to the house of lords".
Last edited by Sunfish; 26th Nov 2012 at 10:22.
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.... and we can only sit here and watch it happen.
Is this an "inflection point" that marks the start of the demise of Qantas?
Does Qantas now really need saving?
We can sit here and discuss this thread passionately because we care about what happens and knowing what should be done, but at the same time, watch helplessly as others group together planning to make a killing on the assets of this company.
No superhero in sight.....
Is this an "inflection point" that marks the start of the demise of Qantas?
Does Qantas now really need saving?
We can sit here and discuss this thread passionately because we care about what happens and knowing what should be done, but at the same time, watch helplessly as others group together planning to make a killing on the assets of this company.
No superhero in sight.....
It'll be interesting to see if Gerry still spruks his "Buy Australian made, keep jobs in Australia" line when it comes to his interest in QF, or whether he just wants to make a quick buck. 
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How can Gerry Harvey afford an airline? If you were to believe what he says every time his mug appears in front of a camera, his company is being bled dry by internet sales....
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Posted without comment:
Billionaire plea for cheap labour | News.com.au
And:
Cookies must be enabled | Herald Sun
TID
Billionaire plea for cheap labour | News.com.au
And:
Cookies must be enabled | Herald Sun
TID
Last edited by Tidbinbilla; 27th Nov 2012 at 02:32.
More News:
Agitators plan second meet with pilots
THE high-profile group of investors challenging the strategic direction of Qantas under the leadership of Alan Joyce will meet the influential pilots' union this week for a second time to outline their plans.
According to airline sources, the group, which includes venture capitalist Mark Carnegie and former Qantas executive Peter Gregg, will meet the Australian and International Pilots Association on Wednesday to further spell out the rationale behind its push.
It is the second time the pilots' union has met the group of investors since early September.
Pilots' groups have traditionally exerted a disproportionate influence relative to their size in the running of airlines including Qantas. AIPA declined to comment on Monday about the meeting.
The group of well-connected businessmen, which includes former Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon and adman John Singleton, has taken a small stake in the airline as part of a plan to eventually gain seats on the board and agitate for a major change in its strategic direction.
Mr Gregg, who is back in Australia after an overseas business trip, said on Monday that he had ''no intention of meeting anyone this week'' because he had a job to do at Leighton Holdings, where he is chief financial officer.
''As I have said time and time again, I have invested some money - it is up to these guys how they want to run that strategy,'' he said. ''I have just put some money in.''
He referred queries to Mr Carnegie, who has spearheaded the talks with unions and key Qantas shareholders. Mr Carnegie did not return calls on Monday.
The group's willingness to keep briefing interested parties reveals the extent to which it is attempting to garner support from shareholders and unions for an alternative strategy for Qantas.
Sources close to the group say it is ''very patient'' in efforts to force change, and is prepared to wait until large shareholders decide they no longer support the airline's direction.
''They will just let nature take its course,'' one said. ''Alan Joyce has bunkered down for a fight, which is keeping his arms tied from expanding [the premium business].''
Qantas has also stepped up efforts to keep onside large shareholders and unions, including the pilots.
Mr Joyce has sought to quell any nerves among his senior managers about the agitation from the high-profile group of investors. He told them in an email last week that the board had ''every confidence'' in management's five-year plan to improve the airline's fortunes.
Mr Joyce will front an aviation industry gathering on Wednesday in Sydney where he is likely to face questions about the challenges to his leadership from the group of high-profile investors.
The other unions previously contacted by the investors are believed to include the Transport Workers Union, whose members include thousands of Qantas support staff including baggage handlers.
Agitators plan second meet with pilots
THE high-profile group of investors challenging the strategic direction of Qantas under the leadership of Alan Joyce will meet the influential pilots' union this week for a second time to outline their plans.
According to airline sources, the group, which includes venture capitalist Mark Carnegie and former Qantas executive Peter Gregg, will meet the Australian and International Pilots Association on Wednesday to further spell out the rationale behind its push.
It is the second time the pilots' union has met the group of investors since early September.
Pilots' groups have traditionally exerted a disproportionate influence relative to their size in the running of airlines including Qantas. AIPA declined to comment on Monday about the meeting.
The group of well-connected businessmen, which includes former Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon and adman John Singleton, has taken a small stake in the airline as part of a plan to eventually gain seats on the board and agitate for a major change in its strategic direction.
Mr Gregg, who is back in Australia after an overseas business trip, said on Monday that he had ''no intention of meeting anyone this week'' because he had a job to do at Leighton Holdings, where he is chief financial officer.
''As I have said time and time again, I have invested some money - it is up to these guys how they want to run that strategy,'' he said. ''I have just put some money in.''
He referred queries to Mr Carnegie, who has spearheaded the talks with unions and key Qantas shareholders. Mr Carnegie did not return calls on Monday.
The group's willingness to keep briefing interested parties reveals the extent to which it is attempting to garner support from shareholders and unions for an alternative strategy for Qantas.
Sources close to the group say it is ''very patient'' in efforts to force change, and is prepared to wait until large shareholders decide they no longer support the airline's direction.
''They will just let nature take its course,'' one said. ''Alan Joyce has bunkered down for a fight, which is keeping his arms tied from expanding [the premium business].''
Qantas has also stepped up efforts to keep onside large shareholders and unions, including the pilots.
Mr Joyce has sought to quell any nerves among his senior managers about the agitation from the high-profile group of investors. He told them in an email last week that the board had ''every confidence'' in management's five-year plan to improve the airline's fortunes.
Mr Joyce will front an aviation industry gathering on Wednesday in Sydney where he is likely to face questions about the challenges to his leadership from the group of high-profile investors.
The other unions previously contacted by the investors are believed to include the Transport Workers Union, whose members include thousands of Qantas support staff including baggage handlers.
It's very simple folks and it is exacrly as I, and others laid out after the appointment of Joyce.
The APA folk did not go away after the failure of their bid for the airline, they decided after the collapse of the sharemarket in 2008 that perhaps they could buy Qantas for a song.
Joyce was set up to fail. He has not disappointed his backers. Red Q, the entire Asian strategy, the promotion of Jetstar over mainline, fights with engineers, the debilitation of international, and the destruction of staff morale were music to Carnegie, Dixon and companys ears. This is what they wanted, expected and prayed would happen - leaving the Qantas share price around a dollar and ripe for their tender ministrations.
..and now we know they had an investment vehicle all ready and waiting.
Except they forgot just how dangerous a stupid person can be. They are always a Two edged sword, cutting off the fingers of those who try to use them.
And Joyce did the one monumentally stupid thing that Dixon, Singleton and company deplored - he invited an even bigger predator than DIxon into the fold - Emirates.
That is why SIngleton went to the press - "Curses! The prey has slipped from my grasp!" was the actual message he sent. Now Emirates is going to feast on the bones of Qantas, not Singo.
That is all there is to it. If Carnegie, Singo and company get control, Qantas is going to get asset stripped of Three billion in cash in the time honoured manner - pay management and success fees. Exotic financial instruments, etc.
Singo will be in charge of repairing Qantas battered public image. Dixon will knife baby Jetstar and roll it back into Qantas. Pressure from the lot of them will see foreign pilots and staff take over on peppercorn salaries. Maybe the Qantas sale act gets repealed.
And everyone lives happily ever after... except the poor Australian travelling public.
The APA folk did not go away after the failure of their bid for the airline, they decided after the collapse of the sharemarket in 2008 that perhaps they could buy Qantas for a song.
Joyce was set up to fail. He has not disappointed his backers. Red Q, the entire Asian strategy, the promotion of Jetstar over mainline, fights with engineers, the debilitation of international, and the destruction of staff morale were music to Carnegie, Dixon and companys ears. This is what they wanted, expected and prayed would happen - leaving the Qantas share price around a dollar and ripe for their tender ministrations.
..and now we know they had an investment vehicle all ready and waiting.
Except they forgot just how dangerous a stupid person can be. They are always a Two edged sword, cutting off the fingers of those who try to use them.
And Joyce did the one monumentally stupid thing that Dixon, Singleton and company deplored - he invited an even bigger predator than DIxon into the fold - Emirates.
That is why SIngleton went to the press - "Curses! The prey has slipped from my grasp!" was the actual message he sent. Now Emirates is going to feast on the bones of Qantas, not Singo.
That is all there is to it. If Carnegie, Singo and company get control, Qantas is going to get asset stripped of Three billion in cash in the time honoured manner - pay management and success fees. Exotic financial instruments, etc.
Singo will be in charge of repairing Qantas battered public image. Dixon will knife baby Jetstar and roll it back into Qantas. Pressure from the lot of them will see foreign pilots and staff take over on peppercorn salaries. Maybe the Qantas sale act gets repealed.
And everyone lives happily ever after... except the poor Australian travelling public.
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What would it take to get the ALAEA on side? And what chance of getting the AWU on side while Liv and PH are cosying up together ?
Last edited by Collando; 26th Nov 2012 at 21:25.
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I bet the Board of Leighton (which has its own major financial problems) are wondering why they are paying one of their execs so much money when they really need his expertise, and he is so frequently reported as being involved in cooking up this scheme and at times when he is travelling for Leighton as per recent media here.
Says a lot if he is involved.
Says a lot if he is involved.
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DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE, for goodness sake.
it is not a case of "better the devil you know" or even "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". These people will never be your friends. Please QF pilots don't give further credence to somebody who refers to you as 'soft cocks'.
it is not a case of "better the devil you know" or even "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". These people will never be your friends. Please QF pilots don't give further credence to somebody who refers to you as 'soft cocks'.
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Although I agree that we shouldn't trust what these people say fully, circumstances are different. At the very least, they are willing to talk to us and others as opposed to simply locking us out forcing us to FWA.
Condition 1:
Condition1, you are stark raving crazy. You cannot trust a single word these people say to you AT ALL, in any context whatsoever. neither can you trust Macquarie Bank or management.
You do not have the education nor experience to deal with this class of "character" and I assure you that you would find it to be a very unpleasant and traumatic education at that.
I still have scars from my education about the depths of depravity and guile these people employ, and it cost me a lot of time and money to get it.
Trust me. Any time you spend engaging with these folk will be at the very best totally wasted. the more probable outcome is that you will expose a weakness that they will exploit ruthlessly to their advantage and your detriment.
You are a fool if you engage with them in any way.
Although I agree that we shouldn't trust what these people say fully, circumstances are different. At the very least, they are willing to talk to us and others as opposed to simply locking us out forcing us to FWA.
You do not have the education nor experience to deal with this class of "character" and I assure you that you would find it to be a very unpleasant and traumatic education at that.
I still have scars from my education about the depths of depravity and guile these people employ, and it cost me a lot of time and money to get it.
Trust me. Any time you spend engaging with these folk will be at the very best totally wasted. the more probable outcome is that you will expose a weakness that they will exploit ruthlessly to their advantage and your detriment.
You are a fool if you engage with them in any way.
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Don't disagree at all Sunfish. Also agree with never smile at crocodile comment above.
My post should have been a tad longer. It really was a bleat against current recalcitrant/incompetent management.
I agree, don't trust them. And I respect your council and experience.
My post should have been a tad longer. It really was a bleat against current recalcitrant/incompetent management.
I agree, don't trust them. And I respect your council and experience.
Last edited by Condition 1; 27th Nov 2012 at 01:06.