b'1979Fiji in partnershipLeighton, Thiess and Hornibrookjoin forces for the Monasavu 80MW hydro scheme in the South Pacific.1980Takeover After a protracted and hostile $460-million move by CSR to acquire Thiess in late 1979, by January 1980 CSR holds 62 per cent. Les reluctantly concedes defeat and remains honorary President of the company as well as chair of ThiessToyota. But CSR begins the process of selling off Thiessvarious business divisions. It isthe largest acquisition in Australian financial history.1981Buying backThiess ContractorsLes, Westfield and HOCHTIEF become the new owners of a division of Thiess that CSR is looking to offload after its acquisition of Thiess: Thiess Contractors.Thiess Hayman Island project in the Whitsunday Islands, c. 1983.56'