Wesfarmers

Wesfarmers Limited is an Australian multinational conglomerate headquartered in Perth and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The company operates a diversified portfolio with a focus on large-format retail and industrial businesses in Australia and New Zealand, including Bunnings (hardware and home improvement), the Kmart Group (Kmart and Target stores), Officeworks (office supplies and services), and Wesfarmers Industrial and Safety (industrial and safety products and services).

Its origins lie in the Westralian Farmers Co-operative, founded in the early 20th century to support farmers in Western Australia. Through decades of growth and diversification, it evolved into a listed conglomerate with a broad retail and industrial footprint. The company previously owned Coles Group, one of Australia’s largest grocery operators, but Coles Group was demerged in 2018 to form a standalone company.

Business strategy centers on maintaining cash-generative retail platforms and industrial businesses, with emphasis on operational efficiency, cost management, and sustainable practices. The portfolio is managed to balance stable, mature operations with opportunities for portfolio optimization, including selective acquisitions and divestments to align with long-term value creation.

Governance is provided by a board of directors and an executive management team led by the chief executive officer. Wesfarmers is a major employer and a prominent participant in the Australian retail landscape, with a significant footprint across the country and in New Zealand through its core brands and associated operations.