Thomson Geer Advises Windsor RSL on Amalgamation

Thomson Geer has advised Windsor RSL Club on its recent amalgamation with Windsor Country Golf Club.

Thomson Geer handled all legal aspects of the deal for Windsor RSL, including due diligence, MOU drafting and negotiations, obtaining its members' resolutions and approval from the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority.

After Windsor Golf first circulated its EOI to amalgamate in March 2020, both clubs faced a number of challenges arising from the pandemic and flooding in March 2021 that wreaked havoc across the Hawkesbury region. However, they remained committed to seeing the amalgamation through after receiving support from members at extraordinary general meetings in October 2020.

“Notwithstanding all of its challenges, the completion of this amalgamation marks the importance of neighbouring clubs ensuring they consider the realities imposed by COVID-19 and focus on the strengths that could emerge in coming together as a pathway to consolidate and streamline business operations,” said Thomson Geer partner Arj Puveendran.

The deal saw Windsor RSL remain committed to continue trading at the Windsor Golf premises as a golf club for at least the next five years, offering a broader set of facilities for Windsor RSL's membership which has grown from 30,000 to 50,000 in just the last 18 months.

“Through the professional guidance of Thomson Geer, the amalgamation program has been diligently managed, resulting in a transparent and successful amalgamation for the members of the Golf Club and the RSL Club” said Windsor RSL CEO Tony Jeffcott.

This marks the first amalgamation for Windsor RSL, which stepped in to not only support a neighbouring golf business but create an opportunity to expand its own club footprint.

The Thomson Geer team was led by partner Arj Puveendran supported by senior partner Brett Boon, lawyer David Costantino and paralegal Julie McCann. The firm's Gaming & Leisure team is a market leading, full-service group dedicated to assisting the clubs sector, with significant expertise in handling club amalgamations.