Australia’s leading independent law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, has advised Wesfarmers Limited on its A$230 million acquisition of online retailer Catch Group Holdings Limited.
Wesfarmers is one of Australia’s largest listed companies and private sector employers, with around 105,000 employees in diverse business operations covering: home improvement and outdoor living; apparel and general merchandise; office supplies; and an industrials division with businesses in chemicals, energy and fertilisers, and industrial and safety products.
Catch Group is an established, profitable and cash-generative online retail business offering branded products on a first-party basis and a third-party online marketplace. The acquisition complements Wesfarmers’ existing businesses and is in line its focus of building and investing in its data and digital capabilities.
Lead Partner on the matter Russell Philip said: “We are delighted to be able to support Wesfarmers in the significant expansion of its online marketplace strategy, including its digital and e-commerce capabilities.”
“It was a great team effort from a wide range of Corrs practice groups across the country, and we look forward to working closely with Wesfarmers as it continues to build on its data and digital initiatives into the future,” said Corrs Partner Phil Catania.
Given the diverse nature of Catch Group’s business, Corrs drew on the expertise and experience of a number of practice groups across Perth, Sydney and Melbourne offices, including: Partners Mark McCowan (Competition), Nathaniel Popelianski (Property), Paul Burns (Employment) and Jade Rowarth (Restructuring).
The sale remains subject to satisfaction of a number of conditions, including approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission merger clearance, which is expected in the coming months.