It’s been a big start to the year for O’Connors, the largest Case IH dealer in Australia and
New Zealand, with the company announcing the acquisition of a further three Case IH
dealerships.
The full Sunrise Ag dealerships in Swan Hill and Ouyen and the Case IH broadacre
component of the Mildura outlet have been purchased by O’Connors, taking the company
from 12 to 15 locations and expanding its reach into north-west Victoria. The deal is
expected to be finalised in early May.
O’Connors Chief Executive Officer, Gareth Webb, said the Sunrise Ag dealerships were a
good fit for the business and the expansion helped reinforce the strength of the O’Connors
network.
“The Sunrise Ag location at Ouyen represents a strong broadacre farming area where we
have considerable knowledge and experience, while Mildura and Swan Hill have more
agricultural diversity where we can work to expand the reach of Case IH smaller horsepower
machinery,” he said.
“That diversity is exciting for us and we see a lot of opportunities across the three locations.
We have 58 years of experience in the agricultural machinery industry, representing the
Case IH brand, and building a reputation for outstanding service, and second-to-none
knowledge of the industry and commitment to our customers.
“With each expansion of our business comes new opportunities and fresh challenges that
our staff thrive on and from which our network can increase its buying power and build our
parts and service departments. We’re looking forward to bringing these benefits to our new
customers and ensuring uninterrupted support throughout the transition process.”
This most recent expansion extends O’Connors’ footprint from Ballarat in southern Victoria,
north to Condobolin in the NSW’s Central West, and east to Corowa and Shepparton, linking
up the dealership network. It follows last year’s acquisition of former Agrimac dealerships in
Ballarat and St Arnaud.
Pete McCann, General Manager for Case IH Australia and New Zealand, welcomed the
news and said it helped secure the Case IH brand in an important agricultural area.
“Customers in this region have been well-served by Sunrise Ag and we know this will
continue under O’Connors’ ownership. They have always demonstrated outstanding
customer service, and a commitment to staff expertise and after-sales support, building a
network of thriving dealerships that serve the needs of their customers and get the best from
their staff,” he said.
“It also helps ensure the ongoing strength and long-term viability of Case IH in Australia and
New Zealand, which is important for not only the brand, but all the branches that comprise
our extensive network.”
The Case IH Dealer of the Year for the past four years of the award, O’Connors currently
has branches across three states, in Ballarat, Birchip, Bordertown, Condobolin, Corowa,
Forbes, Grenfell, Horsham, Shepparton, St Arnaud, Warracknabeal and West Wyalong.
“We look forward to working with Case IH customers in these new regions and helping
deliver what they need to keep their businesses as profitable and efficient as possible,”
Gareth said