Pub group
Created in 2017 when KKR bought an 80 per cent stake in Bruce Dixon's pub group for $190 million. Since then KKR made a number of bolt-on acquisitions, including Coles' Spirit Hotels business, which controls about 90 pubs, mainly in Queensland. PAG took over ownership from KKR in 2023, and in 2025 CVC invested also, with PAG and CVC holding 45% each. Coles still operates the liquor stores, but has left the pokies business.
The Australian Venue Company
AUS
PAG
owns 45% of The Australian Venue Company
HKG
Investment firm
Founded as Pacific Alliance Group in 2002. Investment partner operating in Asia with US$50 billion of assets under management. Australian investments include Craveable Brands (Red Rooster and Oporto), Patties Foods, Vesco Foods, Cordina Farms, Australian Venue Co and Rex.
CVC Capital Partners Ltd
owns 45% of The Australian Venue Company
UK
Private equity firm
Founded in 1981 and today manages US$71 billion in funds throughout Europe, Asia and the US.
Company Assessment
(Last updated Oct 2025)
Praise
Criticism
Information
The Australian Venue Company
Praise
Criticism
Information
Involvement in gambling
This company owns over 150 venues across Australia, many of which offer gambling services including poker machines.
Source: company website
(2025)
Modern Slavery disclosure quality
Human Rights Law Centre's 2022 report, "Broken Promises: Two years of corporate reporting under Australia's Modern Slavery Act", examines statements submitted to the Government's Modern Slavery Register by 92 companies sourcing from four sectors with known risks of modern slavery: garments from China, rubber gloves from Malaysia, seafood from Thailand and fresh produce from Australia. Modern slavery statements are analysed to see if they comply with the mandatory reporting requirements, identify or disclose obvious modern slavery risks, and demonstrate effective actions to address risks. This company's modern slavery disclosure statement received a rating in the 11-20% range. The average score was 44% and the highest score was 89%.
Source: Human Rights Law Centre
(2022)
Part owned by CVC, which has criticisms
This company is 45% owned by global investment firm CVC Capital Partners, which has several criticisms and an overall Shop Ethical rating of 'F'.
Source: Shop Ethical
(2025)
Modern Slavery statement
California, the UK and Australia have all enacted legislation requiring companies operating within their borders to disclose their efforts to eradicate modern slavery from their operations and supply chains. Follow the link to see this company's disclosure statement.
Source: Modern Slavery Register
(2020)
Company Details
Type:
Private company
Founded:
2017
Revenue:
600 million AUD
(2019)
Subsidiaries:
Hawthorn Brewing Company Pty Ltd
Craft beer makers
Founded in 2008 as the backyard idea of 3 mates with a long history of home brewing. Their beers are brewed under contract. Acquired by Dixon Hospitality (renamed Australian Venue Co) in 2017.
Contact Details
Address:
3/616 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
Freecall:
1800 836 837
Website:
Products / Brands
Hawthorn Brewing Co
Hawthorn
Beer