Commercial acquisitions

You may need to submit an investment proposal for review if you propose to acquire:

Substantial interest in an entity or an Australian business

  • a substantial interest (generally at least 20 per cent) in a general Australian business, corporation, or trust—the monetary threshold is:
    • $310 million for most entity or business investments
    • $1,339 million for private investors from certain free trade agreement countries
    • $310 million for private investors from free trade agreement countries investing in sensitive businesses
    • $0 for foreign government investors. This may exclude certain governments and their business activities.

Direct interest in an agribusiness

  • a direct interest (generally at least 10 per cent, or a position of control) in an agribusiness —the monetary threshold is:
    • $0 for foreign government investors
    • $67 million (cumulative) for private investors.

Australian media business

  • a direct interest (generally at least 10 per cent, or a position of control) in an Australian media business, regardless of value.

National security business

  • a direct interest (generally at least 10 per cent, or a position of control) in a national security business, regardless of value.

Starting an Australian business

If you are a foreign government investor, you will also need to notify us if you:

  • are starting an Australian business (including starting a national security business), or
  • already carry on an Australian business but the business starts a new and different activity.
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