Squire Patton Boggs has advised the owners of local West Australian bus transport company “Go West” on its sale to ASX listed SeaLink Travel Group Limited.
The family-owned business, based in the southwest town of Bunbury, is one of the country’s largest passenger transport companies, with close to 200 employees and almost 300-strong bus fleet. It has prospered through contracts to ferry workers to and from mining sites, in addition to tourism and government charter work. SeaLink operates a number of resorts and tourism businesses across Australia, including the iconic Rottnest Island ferry service. The acquisition will expand its reach and open new markets.
Squire Patton Boggs Corporate partner Tony Chong led the transaction, assisted by senior associate Blair Strickland. Speaking of the successful deal, Tony noted: “There is a special pleasure in achieving a successful outcome for a family-owned business. The Haousts have spent more than 30 years building Go West into what it is today. They have invested a lot more than time and capital into the business. This sale is a testament to their collective effort.”
He added, “Our firm is among the best in the world when it comes to advising private companies and family offices. We understand that these transactions are deeply personal and there is a lot more at stake than just achieving a certain price.”