Toowoomba-headquartered machinery dealer bought-out

RDO Equipment has consolidated its business interests in Australia, with the business acquiring 100% ownership of Toowoomba-headquartered machinery dealer Vanderfield, and Vermeer Equipment Holdings.

The new RDO Australia Group will bring together the Vanderfield, Vermeer Australia and RDO Equipment dealerships. From left: Tim Curoe (CEO of RD Offutt Co), Bruce Vandersee (CEO Vanderfield), Julie Whitcombe (incoming CEO for RDO Australia Group), Ryan Offutt (Executive Vice President of RD Offutt Co) and Ron Offutt (Founder of RD Offutt Co).

RDO Equipment has consolidated its business interests in Australia and appointed Julie Whitcombe as CEO of the newly formed RDO Australia Group, with the business acquiring 100% ownership of Toowoomba-headquartered machinery dealer Vanderfield, and Vermeer Equipment Holdings.

It previously owned 50% of each of the businesses.

RDO is a family-owned company established in the US in 1968 by Ron Offutt.

It 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.

As the acquisitions are completed, a new umbrella business called RDO Australia Group has been created to overarch the Vanderfield, Vermeer Australia and RDO Equipment Australia businesses.

The new group will include 18 dealership locations and 520 staff across several businesses.

Julie Whitcombe will transition from her current role as COO of RDO Equipment and Vermeer Australia to become CEO of the RDO Australia Group. She says the creation of the group, and the investment in the two acquisitions, reflects a long-term commitment to the Australian market.

“By increasing our holdings in Vanderfield and Vermeer Australia to 100%, we are continuing to build a powerful brand in Australia. 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.