Norton Rose Fulbright advises Linfox on acquisition of Aurizon’s Queensland intermodal business and entry into 10 year hook and pull contract

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised supply-chain logistics company Linfox, on the acquisition of Aurizon’s Queensland intermodal business (QIB). The deal will see Linfox take control of Aurizon’s intermodal operations in Queensland including its freight forwarding and pick-up-and-delivery assets, rail wagons, customer contracts, employees and access to terminals including Acacia Ridge.

The transaction is conditional on the Federal Court lifting an injunction that requires Aurizon to continue operating QIB.

Under a separate 10-year commercial take-or-pay contract, Aurizon’s bulk business will also provide Linfox with hook-and-pull (rail linehaul) and maintenance services. In addition, Aurizon will provide terminal services to Linfox at certain terminals.

The Norton Rose Fulbright team advised Linfox on all aspect of the transaction, including the acquisition, entry into supporting commercial contracts and property arrangements.

Norton Rose Fulbright corporate and M&A partner Jyoti Singh commented:

“We are very proud to have worked on this transaction with Linfox which will see Linfox expand its offering in the Queensland market. We utilised our significant expertise in the transport and logistics sector (including our rail experience) to support Linfox on this transaction.”

Jyoti Singh led the deal and was supported by partners Keira Brennan, Michael French, Martyn Taylor and Andrew Spalding, special counsels Andrew Willekes and Ka-Chi Cheung, senior associates Kathy Prince and Louise Alford and associates Jessica Rusten, Chanel Mercurio and Loan Nguyen.