R 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 announced the consolidation of its business interests in Australia and the appointment of Julie Whitcombe as CEO of the newly formed RDO Australia Group, as the business acquires 100% ownership of Queensland-based machinery dealer Vanderfield and Vermeer Equipment Holdings. It currently owns 50% of each of these businesses. Source: Timberbiz
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. A strong commitment to the Vermeer and John Deere brands is well established by RDO in the United States, and the group aims to bring that same focus to Australian operations.
“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,” Ms Whitcombe said.
On a recent visit to Australia, RDO founder Ron Offutt expressed excitement about the future of the company here.
“We are grateful to have had the opportunity to invest in Australia, for the partnership we have had with the Vandersee family, and for the continued commitment of Bruce Vandersee along with Peter Pullan and Ian Jensen of Vermeer Australia to our consolidated business. In bringing our three operations together, we are building a stronger, more diversified enterprise that will allow us to better serve our customers.”
Ms Whitcombe said the RDO Australia Group will benefit from the deep experience of Bruce Vandersee, Peter Pullan and Ian Jensen, who 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. 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,” she said.
Ms Whitcombe said the 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 says.
“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.”
For more about RDO Equipment visit https://www.rdoequipment.com.au/
