Deal profile | Gadens advises DKSH Smollan on acquisition of CROSSMARK Australia

Gadens has advised DKSH Smollan on its acquisition of CROSSMARK, Australia’s leading field marketing provider. DKSH Smollan has acquired the Australian entity of CROSSMARK with DKSH acquiring separately the CROSSMARK New Zealand entity. 

DKSH Smollan, a joint venture between Swiss-listed DKSH (the leading market expansion services provider in Asia) and Smollan (a global retail solutions company), which has been active in the Asia Pacific since 2009, assists manufacturers and retailers with their growth in markets throughout that region with a focus on the healthcare, consumer goods, performance materials and technology industries. The acquisition of CROSSMARK adds approximately 1,500 employees to the DKSH Smollan business and substantially strengthens its position as the leading retail solutions provider in Asia.

Gadens was engaged by DKSH Smollan to advise on all the legal aspects of this transaction and worked closely with the DKSH Smollan team to ensure its successful completion.

Commenting on the transaction, Edward Nixey said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the DKSH Smollan team on an acquisition that makes the joint venture the leading retail solutions provider in Asia. With the acquisition of Crossmark Australia, there are exciting times ahead for the group and their Australian based clients.“

Practise groups involved: Corporate Advisory and Banking & Finance

Key team members: The team was led by partner Edward Nixey with special counsel Breanna Davies and associate Kevin McVeigh (in the Corporate Advisory Team), along with partner Renae Suttor and lawyer Clive Robért (in the Banking & Finance Team).

Matter significance: The acquisition of CROSSMARK strengthens DKSH Smollan’s existing offering in Australia by establishing further scale, service offering and local expertise, and substantially adds value for its clients and customers.