Vanderfield acquires Chesterfield franchise

Two leading John Deere agricultural equipment dealerships in Australia are coming together, as Vanderfield’s parent company, RDO Australia Group, buys the Chesterfield Australia business.

RDO Australia Group CEO, Julie Whitcombe, said the purchase means branches established by Chesterfield across NSW and Queensland can continue to serve their local customers and support the continuing growth of the agricultural industry in new ways.

“Chesterfield Australia was looking for the right buyer and RDO Australia Group was looking for the right opportunity to strengthen our support base in regional areas for both our agricultural and construction businesses,” she said.

“The opportunity to build in these areas from an established John Deere dealership that shared similar values to our own made perfect sense for us.”

“In bringing 11 Chesterfield branches under the Vanderfield banner, we want our customers to know that we are here for the long-term and ready to support them through their challenges as well as their growth opportunities. We are confident in the future of Australian agriculture and we’re pleased to have this opportunity to work with the Chesterfield teams into the future.”

Whitcombe said as Chesterfield and Vanderfield have a lot in common, the transitions are expected to be smooth and straightforward for customers.

“The local salespeople, service technicians and parts staff have years of experience and will continue to be there to support our customers,” she said.

“Customers can be confident in continuing to deal with the same teams they know and respect, with the added benefit of RDO’s growing support network behind them. We’re delighted to welcome these teams and customers into our RDO family.”

Chesterfield Australia Chief Executive Officer, Damien Effeney, said Chesterfield Australia and Vanderfield are an ideal fit.

“Chesterfield Australia’s inclusion into the Vanderfield business further establishes it as one of the leading agricultural machinery dealerships in Australia,” he said.

“Outgoing owners, the Pennefather family, have endorsed this purchase as the best way to ensure the legacy of the business they have nurtured for over 50 years.

“I know our customers and the team can look forward to an excellent experience with Vanderfield and RDO Australia Group and I am delighted by this opportunity for these excellent dealerships to secure a positive future.”

The RDO Australia Group is a leading John Deere and Vermeer equipment dealer and encompasses Vermeer Australia, Vanderfield and RDO Equipment. Once the purchase is finalised, the group will employ over 700 staff across 29 branches.

Of the 13 Chesterfield dealerships, 11 will be retained by RDO Australia Group as part of Vanderfield, while the dealerships in Warren and Dubbo will transition to Hutcheon & Pearce.