Bapcor clears out Hellaby boardroom

burson-auto-partsASX-listed auto firm Bapcor has installed four new directors at Hellaby Holdings after securing control of the New Zealand firm.

Darryl Abotomey, Bapcor chief executive, will assume Hellaby’s chair, and the Australian company has appointed chief financial officer Gregory Fox, general manager of strategic business development Matthew Cooper, and independent director Margaret Haseltine to the board, Hellaby said in a statement to the NZX.

Hellaby directors Mark Cowsill, Gary Mollard and James Sclater resigned effective immediately, while past-chairman Steve Smith and Paul Byrnes will stay on as independent directors until the takeover closes, “at which time Hellaby’s board membership and structure will be reviewed,” it said.

Alan Clarke, managing director and CEO, will keep his role to help with the change of ownership.

“I would like to recognise and thank the retiring directors for their considerable effort and commitment to Hellaby over a number of years, during which Hellaby improved its trading performance, modified its strategy and portfolio of businesses, and added considerable value for Hellaby shareholders,” said Steve Smith, outgoing chair.

Bapcor has said it plans to sell Hellaby’s equipment, resources and footwear businesses, using the remaining automotive division as a foothold in the New Zealand market, where car sales have been hitting record levels over the last three years.

Last week Hellaby’s independent directors said they supported the takeover, having previously argued that it undervalued the company, after Bapcor declared its $3.60-per-share offer unconditional.

The offer closes on February 7, and Bapcor has received acceptances for 78.4 per cent of Hellaby’s shares. If it reaches 90 per cent it will be able to enforce mop-up provisions under the Takeovers Code meaning hold-out shareholders will have to sell.

Hellaby shares last traded at $3.58, while Bapcor’s ASX-listed stock was recently down 0.9 per cent to A$5.49.

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.