RDO completes acquisition of Vermeer, Vanderfield
Newly formed RDO Australia Group will now include 18 dealerships across the countryRDO Equipment has announced its 100 per cent acquisition of Queensland-based machinery dealer, Vanderfield and Vermeer Equipment Holdings from a 50 per cent stake in both businesses previously.
As a result, a new umbrella business – RDO Australia Group has been established to overarch the Vanderfield, Vermeer Australia and RDO Equipment Australia businesses.
Julie Whitcombe, formerly COO of RDO Equipment and Vermeer Australia, has been appointed the CEO of the RDO Australia Group.
The new group will include 18 dealership locations and 520 staff across several businesses.
RDO is a family-owned company established in the US in 1968 and is one of the world’s largest John Deere dealers. RDO Equipment recently took over as the John Deere Forestry and Construction equipment dealer in all Australian states apart from WA.
Whitcombe said the consolidation of the business units reflects RDO’s long term commitment to the Australian market.
“By increasing our holdings in Vanderfield and Vermeer Australia to 100 per cent, we are continuing to build a powerful brand in Australia,” she said.
“RDO Australia Group is ready to help shape the future of the agricultural, mining, construction and forestry sectors in this market, through a combination of exceptional network reach, range of product and quality of experience and support.
“This deal is big news for the industry and is a sign of our confidence in the Australian sector.”
RDO’s relationship with Vanderfield in Australia stretches back to 2012 when it made its first investment in the business.
“The RDO team and the Offutt family have a genuine commitment to the Australian market, running their business for the benefit of all stakeholders, and they remain committed to the values that have made them successful the past 50 years. I am excited to have the opportunity to bring these three companies together as one team,” Whitcombe said.
Whitcombe added RDO Australia Group will benefit from the deep experience of Vanderfield CEO Bruce Vandersee, as well as Peter Pullan and Ian Jensen from Vermeer Australia. All three will be shareholders and Directors of the RDO Australia Group.
“The new RDO Australia Group will be built on the strong legacies of the Vanderfield and Vermeer Australia businesses, focused on their customers’ long-term success,” Whitcombe said.
“Peter, Ian and Bruce have committed decades of hard work to serving customers across Queensland and eastern Australia, and I know their continuing contribution to RDO Australia Group will be incredibly valuable.”
Whitcombe said RDO Australia Group is focused on ensuring the transition is smooth for both customers and staff.
“We’re planning the transition carefully and working closely with our teams across all our businesses,” she said.
“We are renowned for our exceptional customer experience and for being a good employer, and this is not going to change.
“I’m excited to see where this step takes us and how it will allow us to serve our customers even better, provide even greater opportunity for our staff, and continue to support Australian industry.”
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