I am writing to introduce myself and let you know about some exciting changes to our business, and what this means for you.

In 2015, Vermeer Australia became part of the RDO Australia Group, a subsidiary of North Dakota-based RDO Equipment. Globally, RDO Equipment is one of the world’s largest Vermeer and John Deere dealer groups, with presence in Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Ukraine.

Earlier this year, RDO Equipment was excited and proud to announce its appointment as John Deere Construction and Forestry dealer for all Australian states apart from Western Australia.

Now, as 2019 draws to a close, I have more exciting news to share: RDO has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining 50% interest in Vermeer Australia, as well as in its other Australian business interest—Vanderfield (a John Deere Ag & Turf dealership group operating in Queensland and Northern Australia).

We are delighted to now consolidate our operations here in Australia, and even more excited that our partners in these two great businesses for the last several years (Peter Pullan, Ian Jensen and Bruce Vandersee) have agreed to continue on as shareholders in our new and larger group business.

As we look to this new future, we would like to introduce you to our new business structure trading under the banner of RDO Australia Group. The three core brands under the RDO Australia Group umbrella are Vermeer Australia, RDO Equipment (John Deere Construction & Forestry) and Vanderfield (John Deere Ag & Turf, Hino Trucks).

I have been appointed CEO of this new group, transitioning from my role as COO of Vermeer Australia and RDO Equipment. The exciting opportunity ahead of my team and I lies in bringing the experience and reach of these three great businesses together to better serve our Australian customers and markets, including you and your team.

What does your dealership group look like now?

RDO Australia Group will have more than 500 employees, a physical branch footprint across 18 sites and an extensive range of premium equipment and parts across the construction, forestry, mining, roads, landscaping and agricultural industries.

The former owners and senior management of the Vermeer Australia and Vanderfield businesses will remain deeply involved in the new group as directors and shareholders, and I know I will benefit enormously from their deep experience and strong connections.

What does this mean for you?

The only changes that should impact you as a customer will be good ones. RDO Australia Group is committed to delivering exceptional products and customer support, and we look forward to using the combined horsepower of the broader group to drive a continual focus on improving our support of you and your team.

The local know-how, personal relationships and level of support you have always experienced is not about to change. Your local dealership will continue to be operated by the same local team you know and trust.

You will also see a change of our legal entity name from Vermeer Equipment Holdings Pty Ltd to RDO Australia Group Pty Ltd. We will continue to trade as ‘Vermeer Equipment Holdings’ through our registered business name and will continue to operate under the same ABN (82 169 836 533) and ACN (169 836 533).

The road ahead

It’s an exciting time for our business and I look forward to meeting with as many customers as possible in the months ahead. My goal is to better understand your business and how we can continue to support you in the years to come.

Warm regards,

Julie Whitcombe

Chief Executive Officer RDO Australia Group