Company Analysis: CSBP & West Farmers

West Farmers was founded in 1914 as a farmers' co-operative. The corporation went public in 1984. In the following year, the corporation acquired 50% interest in investment bank, Gresham Partners.
This was soon followed by the acquisition of CSBP & Farmers in 1986. In 1987, the corporation purchased Charlie Carter supermarket chain and acquired 9.7% interest in Bunnings. Two years later, the corporation acquired Western Collieries.
Acquisitions in 1991 included a 25% interest in the Bengalla coal deposit in the Hunter Valley; non-automotive LPG business of Gogas (Australia); and Fe…