Lindsay Australia has announced the complete acquisition of WB Hunter, a leading rural merchandise company, enabling Lindsay to enhance its product and service offerings in the agricultural sector across Victoria and New South Wales.
Lindsay Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer Craig Baker expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition.
“We are delighted to welcome WB Hunter into the Lindsay network,” he said.
“WB Hunter has a longstanding and highly successful operating history, serving as an integral member of Australia’s rural supplies market.”
WB Hunter has become a market leader in rural supplies, agricultural services, trade essentials, and pet products. With eight strategically located stores in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, WB Hunter has firmly established its presence in the region by employing over 125 local staff members.
The $34.6 million acquisition of WB Hunter aligns with Lindsay’s growth strategy as it seeks to expand its rural merchandising network and tap into the rapidly growing Australian agribusiness segment.
The deal provides Lindsay with a strategic entry point into the Victorian and New South Wales agricultural supply markets, opening doors for further growth opportunities.
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Baker emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition, highlighting the expansion of Lindsay’s presence in key growth markets and the introduction of new products and services to their existing network.
He also commended WB Hunter Director and CEO Michael Moroney for his operational excellence.
“As part of the Acquisition, Michael Moroney will continue to oversee operations as Director and CEO of WB Hunter under a long-term agreement with Lindsay,” he said.
“Michael has built a business based on operational excellence, and we look forward to the WB Hunter team continuing their journey as part of Lindsay.”
Following the completion of the acquisition, Lindsay Australia’s rural merchandising arm, Lindsay Rural, will consolidate its network by spanning the country’s east coast.
The acquisition of WB Hunter offers Lindsay a broader operating footprint, enabling the pursuit of growth opportunities across all service lines. This expansion into new regions also mitigates risks associated with weather-related disruptions to agricultural production and strengthens the company’s market position
The acquisition is expected to be completed by 2024.