Catalogue launch in August

TVH Australasia will launch its new all-Australian Quick Reference Parts Catalogue to the industry in August.
According to Rob Avenell, chief executive officer, the listing will be of major benefit to both technicians and parts professionals. It is focused on frequently used parts in the Australian market, is fast and easy to use and reflects the vastly increased range that TVHA now carries as a result of its parent company’s major acquisitions in the USA.

40% expect to change hands within next decade

Around 40% of Australian businesses expect to change hands within the next 10 years due to a rapidly ageing population, with many family businesses coming to the end of their current life-cycle.
According to the survey released on Tuesday by business consultant Grant Thornton International, 52% of these businesses forecast a sale to occur within the next three to five years.
The survey found that a trade sale or merger was the most likely way for a business to change hands, both scoring 22%. This was followed by a management buy-out/buy-in at 20%, sale/pass to a family at 18%, sale to employees at 13%, or private equity at 12%.
Almost half (47%) of Western Australian businesses surveyed anticipate a change of ownership in the next decade, followed by 41% in Victoria, 40% in South Australia and NSW and 36% in Queensland.
The findings were part of a global survey of 7,200 owners of medium-sized businesses in 32 countries. The highest business churn was found in South Africa at 52%, followed by New Zealand (51%), Canada (50%), the Philippines (48%) and then Australia.

Linfox strengthens logistics business

Linfox is set to buy Melbourne-based company, Westgate Logistics, for an undisclosed sum to strengthen its warehousing and supply business for the retail and fast-moving consumer goods sector.
The acquisition of Westgate, the third for Linfox in 12 months, provides the transport company with further opportunity for organic growth, particularly through Westgate's retail customers.
Westgate is a privately owned business. The company manages 11 distribution centres across Australia and has more than 1,200 staff.
Linfox founder Lindsay Fox says that following the purchase, Linfox will have more than 13,000 employees and operate in 11 countries in the Asia Pacific.