Chris Morris signals continued interest in Reef Casino Trust acquisition
Despite Iris Capital’s pending takeover of Reef Casino Trust, Morris Group executive chairman Chris Morris says he remains open to acquiring the Cairns casino if the opportunity re-emerges.
Chris Morris, founder of Computershare and executive chairman of Morris Group, has indicated he is still interested in purchasing the Reef Casino Trust, even after losing a year-long takeover battle to hospitality operator Sam Arnaout.
Arnaout’s Iris Capital secured support from major shareholders, including Accor and Casinos Austria International, for its more than $200m bid earlier this year. The acquisition includes Reef Casino in Cairns and the adjoining 128-room Pullman hotel.
However, Reef Casino Trust announced this week that completion of the Iris Cairns Property acquisition will be delayed until at least 31 May 2026. The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) said investigations required under Queensland’s Casino Control Act are unlikely to be finalised before the current offer period closes on 13 March 2026.
Morris noted that his group already holds a Queensland casino licence and suggested that a process involving Morris Group could have been concluded more quickly. He confirmed the company remains open to pursuing the asset if circumstances change.
Arnaout, who expanded his portfolio earlier this year with the A$450m purchase of Sydney’s St Ives Shopping Village, does not currently own a Queensland casino. Morris’s holdings include The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville, the Ardo hotel, and Orpheus and Pelorus Islands.
