Armaguard rejects deal, Coles resumes cash deliveries

Armaguard has rejected a $26 million funding deal from the nation's biggest retailers and banks.

Parent company Linfox, owned by billionaire Lindsay Fox, will instead pour $10 million into the currency delivery business.

Earlier this month, the Australian Banking Association, the big four banks, Woolworths, Coles and Australia Post offered a funding package worth $26 million after being told the company was not financially viable.

The deal expired on Thursday afternoon but it's understood Armaguard is still seeking a future cash injection from some of its biggest customers.

Concerns about Armaguard earlier prompted Coles to pause all currency orders until April 5, but that was later reversed.

Bill Kelty
Linfox director Bill Kelty met banking chiefs to try and find a solution to Armaguard's woes.

The supermarket giant also reduced withdraw limits from $400 to $200 but has no plans to unwind the change.

On Thursday afternoon, Armaguard's chief executive Mick Cronin said the company was working with customers and stakeholders on short term and long term financial solutions.

"Armaguard rejects the timing ultimatum by the (Australian Banking Association)," Mr Cronin said.

"Armaguard continues to operate its full suite of services and is confident that over the coming months, it will get the business onto a long term sustainable footing with appropriate support from the industry."

Armaguard is responsible for most of Australia's cash deliveries and first requested the cash injection in October after regulators approved its merger with competitor Prosegur.

On Wednesday, Linfox director Bill Kelty met Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock and senior figures from Australia's banking industry in a bid to find a solution to Armaguard's woes.

The $26 million offer would have been enough to support the company for about six months and there was no expectation for it to be repaid.

Australian Banking Association chief executive Anna Bligh
Australian Banking Association chief Anna Bligh said an offer to Armaguard was made in good faith.

It did have conditions, including an accountant to provide guidance on how to make the business viable.

Australian Banking Association chief executive Anna Bligh described it as a "generous cash offer" that had been had been made in good faith after being told the company was in financial distress.

"It is entirely up to Armaguard to decide how to fund their business and the decision of the parent company Linfox to fund them is a welcome development," Ms Bligh said.

"The banking sector remains committed to ensuring cash is accessible for customers."

The Transport Workers Union, which represents about 700 Armaguard workers, called on clients of the business to find a solution.

National Secretary Michael Kaine said workers needed certainty and the union was in ongoing talks with Armaguard.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store