A complex acquisition - expanding a transport and logistics capability in Australia
'This business acquisition involved numerous sites, leases, dangerous-products licences, revision of employment and superannuation contracts, stamp duty considerations and a very compressed timeframe.'
Ian Sinclair, Partner and Head of Transport & Logistics
Our Client
Our client is a major civil contracting
company with operations across New Zealand and Australia. The
company employs approximately 5,000 people. Operations are
vertically integrated and range from the supply of products such as
asphalt, quarry and precast components, through to the construction
of roads, water infrastructure, bridges, airports, and sports
facilities. The company also provides related services such as
project management, laboratory services and maintenance. The
company is privately owned. We have been working with them since
2000 and have a strong relationship with their directors and
management team.
Their Ambition
Our client had an opportunity to
significantly expand its transport and logistics capabilities by
acquiring a specialist road transport business based in New South
Wales. The business had national operations and serviced road
construction and major infrastructure projects. Our client seized
the opportunity to secure the purchase.
Enhancing their Success
The purchase of the business was
completed successfully within a tight timeframe. The acquisition
has expanded our client's transport and logistics capabilities and
elevated its competitive profile, particularly across eastern
Australia. The acquisition complemented our client's other
activities and now underpins the growth and expansion of our
client's road transport offering in Australia, and has enabled
greater independence of operation and competitiveness in the
market.
Behind the Headlines
To meet the deadline, our firm deployed
a Cornwall Stodart team of lawyers and support staff drawn from our
Corporate & Commercial, Commercial Property and Employment
& Industrial Relations groups.