The RDO Australia Group shows it strength as it uses subsidiary Vanderfield’s to buy Chesterfield Australia’s dealer operation
Two of the biggest John Deere agricultural equipment dealerships are coming together, as Vanderfield’s parent company RDO Australia Group buys the Chesterfield Australia business.
This move will bring the Vanderfield total yard count to 22 as it cuts a machinery sales swathe across NSW and Queensland.
RDO Australia Group CEO Julie Whitcombe says the purchase means branches established by Chesterfield across NSW and Queensland can continue to serve their local customers under the Vanderfield banner.
“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.
“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.” Julie added.
Ms Whitcombe says Chesterfield and Vanderfield have a lot in common, and RDO Australia Group is expecting a smooth transition that will be 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. 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,” Ms Whitcombe says.
Chesterfield Australia Chief Executive Officer Damien Effeney says 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,” Mr Effeney says.
“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 already part of one of the world’s most trusted John Deere and Vermeer equipment dealers and encompasses Vermeer Australia, Vanderfield and RDO Equipment.
Once the purchase is finalised the group will employ over 700 staff across 29 branches.
The purchase of Chesterfield Australia includes 13 dealerships. Of these, 11 dealerships will be retained by RDO Australia Group as part of Vanderfield, while the Chesterfield dealerships in Warren and Dubbo will transition to Hutcheon & Pearce.
Chesterfield Australia farewell statement
“After a long and considered review of the future of Chesterfield Australia we have decided, as a family, to sell the business to the RDO Australia Group.
From the earliest days we have sought to support farmers and landowners in keeping with the principles on which Tony Pennefather built the business and which have guided Chesterfield Australia for 57 years. Our family is extremely proud to have served and supported farmers and landowners since 1963.
We would like to thank our customers and staff for their support and loyalty over many years. Your significant contribution has been a key factor in the long-term success of our family business.
We are confident that the legacy of Chesterfield Australia is in safe hands with RDO and Vanderfield and Hutcheon & Pearce, given the shared values and history of these businesses.
We wish our employees and customers every success in the future and thank you again for your support over the last 57 years.”
Damien Effeney, Chief Executive Officer
Chesterfield Australia
