Singapore, December 18, 2019 – DKSH Smollan has signed an agreement to acquire the leading sales and marketing provider, Crossmark in Australia. This acquisition, aligned to Smollan’s globalisation strategy, will strengthen Smollan’s existing offering in the country through adding further scale, service offering and local expertise to the Smollan Australia business.

Smollan, in partnership with DKSH, has offered retail solutions for manufacturers and retailers in the Asia Pacific region since 2009. These services include advisory services, sales and retail execution, marketing solutions, technology and e-commerce. Over the past ten years, the joint venture has become the leading solutions provider in Asia Pacific, with a regional coverage in twelve markets now.

Crossmark operates across various categories and channels, including grocery, speciality retail, hardware, pharmacy as well as telecommunications in the Australian market. Crossmark ANZ’s Chief Executive Officer, Andy Kirk has said of the deal, “We are very pleased to be joining the DKSH|Smollan Group, a business that shares aligned culture, values and vision of growth with Crossmark.  I’m excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring in continuing to develop our market leading service and creating further growth opportunities for not only our client partners but also importantly our people.”

DKSH Smollan Chief Executive Officer, Sean Leas has said that “With the acquisition of Crossmark Australia, DKSH Smollan is strengthening its offering in Australia by leveraging the capability and expertise we have developed throughout Asia Pacific. By expanding as a leader in the market, we believe the aquisition will compliment our existing business in Australia and continue to create further growth opportunities for brands, retailers and our people.”

Next to the acquisition of Crossmark in Australia by DKSH|Smollan, DKSH will acquire Crossmark New Zealand.

About Smollan

Founded in 1931, Smollan is a retail solutions company, delivering growth for retailers and brand owners across five continents. We cover every aspect of how brands are managed in retail environments through the creation and execution of leading solutions in Advisory, Sales & Retail Execution, Marketing Solutions, Technology and E-commerce. Internationally recognised for our exceptional human platform of over 80 000 people and our sophisticated systems, we drive sales and create brilliant shopper experiences for some of the world’s most loved brands across 61 countries. For more information on Smollan, visit: www.smollan.com

About DKSH

DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services provider with a focus on Asia. The Group helps other companies and brands to grow in the Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Performance Materials and Technology sectors. DKSH’s portfolio of services includes sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. Publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, the Group operates in 35 markets with 33,000 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.3 billion in 2018. With its Swiss heritage and long business tradition since 1865, DKSH is deeply rooted in Asia Pacific.

About Crossmark

Crossmark has operated in the Australian market for over 30 years specialising in delivering smarter field solutions that help brands grow faster and more efficiently.  Crossmark helps brands connect to shoppers and drive sales growth through faster, smarter field teams throughout Australia across all of retail.

Leveraging data and technology to provide bespoke solutions Crossmark supports over 150 brands and retailers across the Australian market.

For further information, please contact:

Global Smollan Holdings
Sean Leas
Chief Executive Officer, APAC
Sean.leas@dkshsmollan.com

DKSH Holding Ltd.
Till Leisner
Head, Group Investor & Media Relations
Phone +41 44 386 7315
till.leisner@dksh.com

Crossmark
Andy Kirk
Chief Executive Officer – ANZ
andy.kirk@crossmark.com.au