HWL Ebsworth has advised the Luff family on a contract to sell Border Express to FMH Group (majority owned by Singapore Post) for a maximum price of $210 million. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including FIRB approval.
Border Express has been an enduring icon of Albury for more than 40 years, launched in 1981 by Max Luff, and growing into a leading family-owned, national business with a presence across every state and territory in Australia. Border Express offers comprehensive freight connectivity, warehouses and regional centres, providing end-to-end interstate logistics services. With a network of 16 facilities, a fleet of over 700 vehicles, and a dedicated team of 1,300 employees, Border Express has established itself as a reliable partner to over 3,000 clients from across multiple industries, including large retail and consumer brands.
The HWL Ebsworth team was led by Brendan Earle (Partner), assisted by Daryl Lim (Special Counsel), Connie Lambropoulos (Senior Associate), Mitchell Gutteridge (Solicitor) and Yi Tung (Solicitor). Chris Egan (Partner) and Renée Karakinos (Senior Associate) advised on employment and industrial relations, and Ari Schachna (Partner) provided tax advice.
Brendan Earle said:
“Starting in Albury, and adjusting their strategy over time, the Luff family has built the 6th largest express pallet and parcel distribution operator in Australia over 40 years. It has been a privilege to act for the family on such an important milestone in their business and personal affairs. Working closely with Tom Vukovic, Executive Chair, Mark Luff and the group’s other advisers Pitcher Partners and Findex, we are delighted to have achieved this outcome.”
If the conditions of the sale are met and the agreement is finalised, Border Express will join transportation companies, BagTrans, GKR Transport, Niche Logistics, Formby Logistics and Spectrum Transport (QLD) Pty Ltd under the FMH Group.
FMH Group has divisions across fourth-part logistics (4PL) and warehousing, transportation, and technology. Its vision is to create a new logistics ecosystem, where people and physical assets are connected through a ubiquitous technology platform.
The two companies will work through the conditions of the sale and purchase agreement, with an estimated completion date of 30th November 2023.
Note to Editors:
HWL Ebsworth is the largest legal partnership in Australia according to the most recent partnership surveys published by the Australian Financial Review.
The firm comprises 1,683 staff including 277 Partners, 1,030 other legal staff and 376 support staff across offices in nine locations – Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Melbourne, Hobart, Norwest (North West Sydney), Perth and Sydney.
HWL Ebsworth is an independent, nationally integrated, full service commercial law firm, providing tailored and commercially oriented legal services.
HWL Ebsworth operates a different business model to the other leading national law practices, and this allows us to offer unrivalled value for money without compromising quality and service. Our low ratio of solicitors to partners ensures that our clients receive optimal access to partner resources for all matters.
For further information, please contact:
Russell Mailler, Chief Strategy Officer (03) 8644 3569 or rmailler@hwle.com.au
Angelique Kear, National Marketing Manager (02) 9334 8541 or akear@hwle.com.au