What’s happening?
Elders has strengthened its regional finance presence with the acquisition of Townsville-based AAA+ Financial Solutions and AAA Consulting.
The move adds an established finance brokerage and consulting business to Elders’ growing financial services network. AAA+ Financial Solutions has a strong presence across regional Queensland and supports clients with home, commercial and rural lending.
Its consulting arm, AAA Consulting, also works with clients on succession and business planning. This is especially important for complex family and agribusiness clients.
AAA+ Financial Solutions will continue to operate under its existing brand, while gaining access to Elders’ wider product range and national network.
Why it matters?
Elders has been part of Australian agriculture since 1839. Its network already connects rural and regional clients with markets, advice and specialist support across farm supplies, agronomy, livestock, wool, grain, finance, insurance and real estate.
The acquisition gives Elders more reach in regional finance, while keeping AAA+ Financial Solutions’ local service model in place.
Nick Clark, Elders GM Financial and Agency Services, said the acquisition supports Elders’ strategy to grow its regional finance brokerage presence.
“Expanding our presence in regional finance brokerage remains a key part of our strategy, as we focus on supporting clients and communities through a broader range of services,” Mr Clark said.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to provide integrated, localised financial solutions for clients, particularly across regional Queensland where AAA+ has built strong and longstanding relationships.
“Ashley Evans and Paul Hautaniemi have built a highly regarded business, and bring over 30 years of experience across banking, finance and mortgage broking. Their knowledge and client focus will be a very valuable addition to Elders’ existing capability.”
Local Impact
The deal means AAA+ Financial Solutions’ local brand and relationships will remain in place.
Clients will continue working with a business known for personal service and regional knowledge. At the same time, they will gain access to Elders’ larger network and wider range of services.
That could help rural families, business owners and agribusiness clients seeking support across lending, planning and long-term business decisions.
Ashley Evans and Paul Hautaniemi said joining Elders would allow the business to strengthen its client offering while keeping its local presence.
“Being part of Elders gives us the backing of a well-established network, allowing us to spend more time with our clients and continue to build on the level of service we provide. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, and this is an opportunity to enhance that further,” they said.
“We’re particularly looking forward to being part of a brand that is well known and respected across regional communities. It positions us to continue expanding our presence in the rural market, while complementing the relationships and trust we’ve already established with our clients.”
By the numbers
The acquisition brings together one of Australia’s oldest agribusiness names and a long-running Queensland finance business.
- Elders has supported Australian agriculture since 1839, giving the company deep links across rural and regional communities.
- AAA+ Financial Solutions has operated since 2001, with services across home, commercial and rural lending.
- Ashley Evans and Paul Hautaniemi bring more than 30 years of experience across banking, finance and mortgage broking.
Zoom In
AAA+ Financial Solutions is more than a lending business. Its work spans home loans, commercial finance and rural lending across regional Queensland.
AAA Consulting adds another layer through succession and business planning. That service is important for families and agribusiness clients managing complex decisions across ownership, finance and future operations.
The acquisition means Elders can offer more connected support across finance, planning and rural business needs.
Zoom Out
Elders is continuing to grow its financial services network in strategic regional locations. The company said the move aligns with its Eight Point Plan and its focus on rural and regional communities.
Elders has also stated its commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for Australian agriculture. Its position remains clear through the company’s message, Elders is for Australian Agriculture.
What To Look For Next?
AAA+ Financial Solutions will keep operating under its existing brand, giving clients continuity through a familiar local business.
With Elders’ backing, the business is positioned to grow its rural market presence while keeping the relationships it has built across regional Queensland.
The combined network supports lending, succession planning and business growth for rural and regional clients.
