Mergers Australia to block sale of cattle company

But the Australian government found such a sale would be contrary to the country’s national interest.
Anna Creek, one of Kidman’s stations, is the largest single property holding in Australia, and approximately 50% of the pastoral lease is located in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WAP) in South Australia. The WAP is used for military weapons testing and is the largest land testing range in the world, according to the Australian Department of Defence.
Treasurer Scott Morrison said he would consider new applications related to a sale of Kidman. He added: “Australia welcomes foreign investment where it is consistent with our national interests.”
S. Kidman and Co. Ltd. owns 185,000 head of cattle, according to the company’s website. Kidman produces grass-fed beef for export. The company also has pastoral leases covering 101,000 sq. km. in three states and Australia’s Northern Territory.