REA

Mike Cannon-Brookes urged investors to focus on fundamentals. Robert Thomson said he is building a lawyer-infested moat. But is anyone listening?

Unlike most Australian CEOs, CoStar founder Andy Florance isn't afraid of the limelight or taking a shot at his rivals. One way or another, he is set to shake up the market in a nation obsessed with property.

In an interview, CEO Andy Florance has pledged to invest heavily in Australia after his $3 billion Domain purchase, with a commercial data product up first.

Andy Florance’s $3 billion Domain bid sets the stage for a high-stakes clash with REA Group, as both prepare for sweeping leadership changes.

Cameron McIntyre, who oversaw sustained growth at Car Group, is firming as a contender for the top job at REA.

The portfolio manager predicts REA will withstand CoStar’s challenge — and shares his broader market outlook, stock picks and views on US-driven volatility.

The two companies could have an exclusivity and process deed signed and released to the market as early as Monday morning, after CoStar lobbed a revised takeover bid last week.

US analysts describe CoStar CEO Andy Florance as smart, savvy and a feared competitor, expecting him to invest heavily to challenge REA Group’s dominance.

CoStar, the US real estate company with a takeover of Domain firmly in its sights, has a track record of challenging market leaders in the US and the UK.

Domain's chairman Nick Falloon was overseas, interim CEO Greg Ellis is just days into the new role, and its top shareholder Nine is in flux as a takeover bid landed.

Rising Sydney hedge fund GCQ has bet big on REA’s next acquisition target Rightmove – but has warned it won’t go cheaply.