Research firm IBISWorld has just released its list of the 500 biggest private companies in Australia based on revenue.
In order to compile this list, the research firm gathered data via primary research, company filings, and its own appraisals of company revenue based on company data and industry analysts.
These are the top ten private companies in Australia:
1. Visy.
Visy is one of the world's largest privately owned paper, packaging, and recycling companies. It has retained the top spot for another year after achieving revenue of $6.7 billion in FY 2018, up 1% year on year.
2. Hancock Prospecting.
Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting has shot up the list after the mining and agricultural business posted a 25% year on year increase in revenue to $5.02 billion.
3. 7-Eleven.
This convenience store chain has slipped from second place despite posting an 8.7% lift in revenue to $4.9 billion.
4. CBH Group.
Australia's largest grain exporter has slid down to fourth position in this year's list after delivering flat revenues of $3.72 billion.
5. Meriton.
Harry Triguboff's Meriton is Australia's largest apartment developer and managed to hold onto fifth spot despite a 7.7% decline in revenue to $2.78 billion.
6. BGC.
Not far behind Meriton is fellow construction company BGC, also known as Buckeridge Group of Companies. The Western Australia-based company saw revenue rise 4.8% to $2.68 billion in FY 2018.
7. Hutchies.
Hutchies, also known as Hutchinson Builders, is another construction company in the top ten. It was responsible for the Star Gold Coast, Vue Bondi Junction, and the St Vincent's Hospital redevelopment to name a few. It generated revenue of $2.65 billion in FY 2018, up 16.3% year on year.
8. HCF.
In eighth position is insurance and superannuation fund HCF with revenue of $2.62 billion. This was a 1.8% rise on the prior year.
9. Teys Australia.
Teys Australia is a Queensland-based meat processing company. One of its key products that readers may have come across is its Teys Certified Premium Black Angus. Revenue in FY 2018 rose 7.9% to $2.6 billion.
10. Cotton On Group.
Clothing retailer Cotton On Group launched into the top ten thanks to a 20.4% increase in revenue to $2.59 billion. As well as the eponymous Cotton On brand, the group's portfolio includes the Typo, Rubi, and Factorie brands.
Foolish takeaway.
Of the companies listed above, I'd be most interested in seeing 7-Eleven and Cotton On Group go public in the future. But until then, I'll focus on similar listed shares such as pizza chain operator Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) and the retailer behind the Smiggle and Peter Alexander brands, Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV).
