FarmWorks' bid a winner for House of Lindner

11 December 2008

Stock Journal

One of South Australia's most iconic independent livestock businesses has been partly sold, with the lamb, sheep and cattle arms of House of Lindner set to be taken over by a Western Australian agribusiness. FarmWorks Australia, a company with an $88 million annual turnover, will use the takeover to expand its wholesale and farm services in South Australia.

FarmWorks Australia State Manager Paul Reichstein said besides a change in name, House of Lindner clients would see very few differences. "The House of Lindner livestock business is a well-established brand in South Australia - the company's reputation is a credit to Don Lindner and his staff." Mr Reichstein said."We see the purchase as an ideal opportunity to expand our total farm package."We have acquired a part of the business that we understand well, and I expect there to be a smooth transition.
From our perspective there will be no loss of jobs. With our plans for growth, we see improvement in staff numbers." He said House of Lindner proprietor Don Lindner would continue to own and operate the pig, steel and grain sections of his business and trade independently, retaining the House of Lindner name. Stock Journal contacted Mr Lindner but he declined to comment at this stage.

Mr Reichstein said Farm Works Australia Livestock would start trading on January 2, 2009.

Several House of Lindner would continue to work for the business, including Ned Zanker, Kevin Keatlel, Broom Hilder, John Bampton, Ken Lloyd and Alec Scott. The company's auctioneer would be announced formally in the next week.

"We will cover most areas of the State, including the Lower North, Mid North, Upper North the Adelaide Hills, and the Upper South East." Mr Reichstein said. "We will be true independents with top-quality staff in regional location. "Our commitment to servicing our customers, to the expectations, is our key strategy." Mr Reichstein said the future policy of the business was to continue the expansion of the range of services and products to the farming community, and to increase the numbers to livestock consigned. To cater for the expansion of staff numbers and administration processes, the company's SA office would be based in Royal Park from February, He said.