Family businesses form the backbone of Australia’s economy, contributing around 32.7% of GDP ($438 billion) and employing 42% of the workforce. Even in the mining sector, small enterprises contribute $19.5 billion of the $216 billion output. Sydney, Australia’s largest city, combines financial influence with entrepreneurial innovation, hosting over 600,000 small businesses, 70% of New South Wales’ total. The synergy between finance and small enterprise fuels a thriving metropolitan economy. Here are the 10 largest family businesses in Sydney by revenue:
10. Kennards Self Storage – $330 Million
Founded in 1947 by Walter Kennard, Kennards began as an equipment rental business. The company launched Australia’s first self-storage facility in 1973 and now operates over 94 locations in Australia and New Zealand. The family legacy continues under Sam Kennard, CEO, driving growth in innovative storage solutions, including 3,200 climate-controlled wine cellars.
9. ATI Global – $400 Million
Christian Beck founded ATI after developing LEAP Legal Software in 1992, revolutionizing legal practice productivity. Today, ATI owns 16 legal technology companies including InfoTrack and LawLytics. Christian continues to lead as Legal Software Managing Director, shaping global legal solutions.
8. Harris Farm Markets – $650 Million
David and Cath Harris opened the first Harris Farm store in 1971. After setbacks in the 1980s, the family rebuilt the business, now operating 32 locations across New South Wales and Queensland. Second-generation leaders Angus, Luke, and Tristan Harris serve as co-CEOs, expanding Australia’s largest independent fruit and vegetable retailer.
7. Ateco Group – $1 Billion
Founded as the Australian Tractor and Engineering Company, Ateco was acquired by Neville Crichton in 1985. Ateco now markets brands like Volkswagen, Ferrari, Maserati, and Jeep across Australia and New Zealand. Crichton continues as Executive Chair, guiding the company’s automotive expansion.
6. Hansen Yuncken – $1.4 Billion
Established in 1918 by Otto Yuncken and Lauritz Hansen, Hansen Yuncken is renowned for landmark projects such as HOTA Gallery and Churchill North Shopping Centre. Fourth-generation family members, including Louise and Richard Hansen, remain actively involved in business development and executive management.
5. Meriton Group – $1.4 Billion
Property mogul Harry Triguboff founded Meriton in 1963. The company is Australia’s largest apartment developer, with over 78,000 apartments built and 5,000 managed across 23 developments in Sydney. Triguboff continues as CEO and Managing Director, shaping urban residential standards.
4. Competitive Foods – $2 Billion
Owned by Jack Cowin, Competitive Foods is Australia’s largest restaurant franchiser, operating over 400 Hungry Jack’s outlets. Cowin leads as Executive Chair, expanding food retail, manufacturing, and export operations.
3. Built – $2.7 Billion
Founded by Marco Rossi in 1998, Built is a nationally diversified construction group. Notable projects include Sydney’s Parramatta Square and Atlassian’s hybrid timber-steel headquarters. Rossi serves as Executive Chair, driving innovation and large-scale construction growth.
2. Seven Group Holdings Ltd. – $9.6 Billion
Led initially by Kerry Stokes and now Ryan Stokes, Seven Group Holdings is a diversified media, energy, and industrial conglomerate. Its portfolio includes WesTrac, Coates, Boral, Beach Energy, and Seven West Media, influencing Australia’s media and industrial landscape.
1. Pallion – $10 Billion
Originally Palloys, founded in 1951, Pallion became Australasia’s largest independent precious metal services group under the Cochineas family. CEO Andrew Cochineas oversees Pallion’s diversified portfolio, including ABC Refinery, Palloys, and Custodian Vaults, cementing the company’s dominance in precious metals.
Sydney’s largest family businesses continue to drive innovation, economic growth, and employment, demonstrating the enduring impact of family-led enterprises on Australia’s economy.
