Regional Livestock Exchanges Acquires Victorian Livestock Exchange’s Leongatha Yards
Regional Livestock Exchanges (RLX) has successfully finalized a deal to purchase the Leongatha yards from the Victorian Livestock Exchange (VLE). Located in south-east Victoria along the South Gippsland Highway, these yards represent a leading facility in the livestock sector.
Since VLE acquired the site in 2006, it has undergone extensive redevelopment. Key enhancements include roofing over selling pens, the installation of soft flooring, and heavy-duty asphalt paving in surrounding areas, significantly upgrading the facility’s infrastructure.
According to RLX, this acquisition aligns with its strategic objectives to expand saleyard operations in prime locations characterized by robust livestock numbers and efficient transportation channels. A company statement emphasized the focus on long-term sustainability as a core goal moving forward.
The completion of this sale is anticipated swiftly, bringing RLX’s total number of saleyard locations to 11, spanning across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.
For VLE, this sale signifies a significant transition after more than 27 years of investment in the Australian livestock market. The Leongatha yards have shown impressive growth, accounting for 273,000 head of cattle sold in the fiscal year ending June 30. This figure marks the highest turnover among Victorian saleyards, representing 23.5% of all cattle sold via saleyards in the state, second only to Queensland’s Roma yards on a national scale.
RLX expressed strong confidence in the Australian agricultural sector, pledging to continue developing modern and regionally significant livestock facilities. The company also stated its openness to further acquisitions and investments in operational sites on behalf of other owners.
Chris Sleigh, chairman of VLE, highlighted the organization’s role in modernizing the livestock selling sector. “With RLX being well-funded and managed, it is the natural successor to take over at Leongatha,” he remarked, emphasizing RLX’s commitment to maintaining efficient service delivery for all yard users.
Brett Freer, the CEO of RLX, noted the strategic advantages of the Leongatha site, including its strong volumes and potential for further development. “We are focused on closing the sale quickly to ensure continuity in sales and services at Leongatha, benefiting local producers, buyers, agents, and the broader community,” he added.
About Regional Livestock Exchanges
Regional Livestock Exchanges focuses on developing modern, regionally significant livestock facilities strategically located for optimal stock numbers, transportation efficiency, and long-term sustainability. The current RLX portfolio includes:
- Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange (CTLX) at Carcoar, NSW
- Inverell Regional Livestock Exchange (IRLX) at Inverell, NSW
- Hunter Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) at Singleton, NSW
- Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange (TRLX) at Tamworth, NSW
- South-eastern Livestock Exchange (SELX) at Yass, NSW
- Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) at Gracemere, QLD
- Goulburn Valley Livestock Exchange (GVLX) at Shepparton, VIC
- Central Victorian Livestock Exchange (CVLX) at Ballarat, VIC
- Northern Victoria Livestock Exchange (NVLX) at Barnawartha, VIC
- Western Victoria Livestock Exchange (WVLX) at Mortlake, VIC
Source: RLX
