Major transport deal succeeds with help from Gadens

Dealmakers help client almost double its size with the acquisition of two businesses

Major transport deal succeeds with help from Gadens

Gadens has helped almost double the size of one of its clients in what it says is one of the largest transport and logistics transactions of 2019.

The national firm advised Christian’s Bus Company on its acquisition of Gold Bus Ballarat and Baccus Marsh Coaches from the Donric Group. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, Gadens said that the acquisitions of the bus routes and charter operators in regional Victoria grows Christians to more than 400 staff and more than 300 vehicles.

Advising on all aspects of the deal, Gadens undertook due diligence, drafted and negotiated the sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition and the facility agreement for acquisition finance, and advised on other commercial considerations and the structure of the transaction.

The national firm fielded a multi-practice team to act on the deal, headed by partner Richard Partridge and senior associate Winnie Sinn. From the firm’s corporate advisory and tax group, associate Lauren Guercio and lawyer Elizabeth Chow assisted Partridge and Sinn.

Banking and finance matters were handled by partner Elliot Raleigh and lawyer Harveen Dhaliwal. Property partner Brihony Boan and lawyer Karena Leung also advised on the deal.

Ashurst acted for the Donric Group, while the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, which provided deal financing, was advised by MinterEllison.

Gadens also recently advised Silk Contract Logistics in its acquisition of Rocke Brothers.