Russell Kennedy Lawyers has acted for the Pentarch Group’s Forestry Division (Pentarch), in relation to its strategic acquisition of the assets and land of Dormit Pty Ltd (Dormit), Australia’s largest manufacturer of wooden pallets.
Pentarch operates across Australia and has active log export operations in Tasmania, Western Australia and New South Wales and wood chip processing facilities based in Tasmania and New South Wales.
This acquisition solidifies Pentarch’s strategic commitment to invest and expand its forestry holdings. It adds to Pentarch’s recently announced agreement to buy Boral Limited’s hardwood and softwood business and compliments the greenfields sawmilling operation Pentarch is developing in Eden, NSW.
Dormit operates two sawmills and associated operations located at Dandenong South and Swifts Creek in Victoria, processing hardwood logs primarily for pallet production. Dormit is Australia’s largest manufacturer of wooden pallets, supplying the majority of CHEP Australia’s pallet requirements and Pentarch will continue the supply of wooden pellets to CHEP, cementing Dormit’s 30+ year relationship with the company.
The Russell Kennedy team was led by Principal Rory Maguire from the firm’s Corporate Advisory / M&A team, with assistance from Emma Dunlevie, Principal (Property), Krystal Pellow, Senior Associate (Property), Jaqueline Wilson, Associate (Corporate Advisory / M&A), Gina Tresidder, Special Counsel (Intellectual Property), Libby Pallot (Employment) and Abbey Burns, Senior Associate (Employment).
Russell Kennedy Lawyers advises on Pentarch Forestry’s strategic acquisition of Dormit has been reported on by Lawyers Weekly here and by Australasian Lawyer here.
Russell Kennedy Principal and transaction lead, Rory Maguire, said:
“We were very pleased to assist Pentarch with its strategic acquisition of Dormit and look forward to seeing the continued development of the Group’s end-to-end forestry services offering.”
Pentarch Group CEO, Paul Heubner said:
"The strategic acquisition of both Dormit and Boral Timber, alongside our other developments, places the Pentarch Group in an enviable position for future growth and diversification. Late last year we also purchased the assets of a wood testing laboratory, Wood Industry Technical Services Ltd (formerly WITS - now Pentarch Technical Services) based in Kawerau, New Zealand. We are looking to invest in and provide end-to-end forestry services and we are actively seeking new opportunities across both countries.”
Further assistance:
For assistance regarding mergers and acquisitions, please contact Rory Maguire or a member of our Corporate & Commercial Advisory team.
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