S. Kidman & Co
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Beef production, Agriculture |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Founder | Sidney Kidman |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Beef, pastoral leases, clothing (Driza-Bone, Rossi Boots) |
| Owner | Hancock Prospecting (67%), Shanghai CRED (33%) |
S. Kidman & Co operates as a prominent Australian beef producer. Previously ranking among the nation's largest, the company has been reducing its property portfolio since its acquisition by Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting in December 2016. Currently, it owns four pastoral leases: one located in the Northern Territory and three situated within Queensland.
History
Established in 1899 by Sidney Kidman, famously referred to as "The Cattle King," S. Kidman & Co evolved into one of the most extensive pastoral landowners across Australia.
In April 2015, the firm announced the sale of its entire land portfolio, consisting of 11 cattle stations spanning over , along with a herd of 155,000 cattle. The enterprise was valued at roughly 360.5 million, encompassing properties in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. For the fiscal year ending June 2015, livestock sales reached 62 million, reflecting a 10.71% increase compared to the prior year.
A November 2015 bid by Chinese companies Genius Link Asset Management and Shanghai Pengxin to acquire the company was rejected by the Treasurer of Australia, who cited concerns related to national interests under the Foreign Investment Act.
In December 2016, S. Kidman & Co was purchased by a consortium consisting of Hancock Prospecting holding a 67% stake and Shanghai CRED owning 33%.
By April 2023, four cattle stations—Durrie, Naryilco, and Glengyle in Queensland's Channel Country—were sold to Appleton Cattle Company, an organic-certified family beef business. Meanwhile, Brunchilly Station in the Northern Territory was acquired by the Harris family, proprietors of neighboring Rockhampton Downs Station. This divestment supports S. Kidman & Co’s strategy to streamline its holdings following substantial enhancements. After these transactions, only four stations remain under its control.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the Kidman heritage while prioritizing growth in its grain-fed Santa Gertrudis and Kidman Premium beef product lines. Capital generated from these sales is intended for reinvestment into acquiring and improving other agricultural ventures.
In December 2023, S. Kidman & Co broadened its business scope by purchasing clothing manufacturers Driza-Bone and Rossi Boots.
Locations
As of April 2023, S. Kidman & Co’s property portfolio includes four principal pastoral leases: Helen Springs in the Northern Territory and Morney Plains, Rockybank, and Durham Downs in Queensland.
Historically, the company managed additional leases such as Brunchilly (NT), Durrie (NSW), Glengyle (QLD), Innamincka and Macumba (SA), Naryilco (NSW), and Ruby Plains (WA).