The Lionel Samson Group was founded by Lionel Samson in August 1829 when he purchased land in Fremantle to open a general store, liquor business, and import and export business. Mr Samson was the first person to secure a liquor license in Western Australia, this license is still active today.
In the mid 1950s, after a decade of operating solely as a wharf cartage business, the group acquired a majority interest in R.C. Sadleir, a customs agent and general carrier company. Together, the group expanded their road transport service interstate and introduced the standard gauge railway into Western Australia.
Lionel Samson & Son and Sadleirs Transport have been bought together under a newly formed Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group, which is what they are known as today. An iconic West Australian family business, the group has demonstrated a constant contribution to the community, to corporate benevolence, and environmentally sustainable practices.
In 1999 the Group bought Plantagenet Wines, a company with a rich heritage of their own.
Plantagenet Wines embodies the best of the west with its distinctive wines of finesse and elegance. As a pioneer of the Great Southern region, Plantagenet's reputation is celebrated for its rich heritage, its expressive wines and family-owned sensibility, making it one of the most trusted wine brands in the country.
The group's commitment to innovation, new opportunities and change, as well as governance and accountability, has resulted in a successful and sustainable family enterprise, which has lasted for nearly two centuries.
At 189 years of age, The Lionel Samson Sadleirs Group is Australia's oldest continuing family business.