Elders Limited - 1960-1970

1960-1970

Now established at the helm, Giles embarked on his strategy of wool market share, which he realised was all about territory. Giles successfully implemented the acquisition strategy he employed in the late 1950s, lifting Elders to the top of the broking pole – a position it has never surrendered.

In 1962 Giles delivered his masterstroke announcing the pending merger of Elder Smith and Goldsbrough Mort with its new corporate headquarters in Adelaide.

By the fifth year of the merger Elder Smith Goldsbrough Mort was leading its nearest rival – Dalgety – by more than 300,000 bales a year. Giles expanded Elders into Gove Alumina and Robe River mining ventures and launched Elders Finance and Investment Co. in 1970.

He also outlined plans for Elders future acquisitions and diversification into new areas of agricultural Australia.