By James Wells

IPSWICH: After 77 years, Tom Edwards decided to sell his family business to another one which has a similar culture with strong service and customer focus.

“The new owner is a South Australian family company — owned by Peter and Barry Walker — that operates a similar electrical and furniture goods retail firm with a similar culture to RT Edwards’ long history and customer focus,” RT Edwards managing director, Tom Edwards said today.

“The South Australian company has been trading for more than 50 years and is that State’s biggest electrical retailer with 18 stores and a clearance centre. The new owner offers stability and opportunities for RT Edwards staff and customers,” he said.

“Both families have been working together to make the transition as seamless as possible. The new owner will give to every staff member a letter of offer to continue with the business and reassure them there will be no loss of entitlements, wages or conditions because of the change of ownership.”

Edwards said the buy-in process was a win-win for two like-minded families and for the staff and customers of RT Edwards.

“The transition could not be smoother — it is wonderful to know that our much-loved business will be run by a family that holds similar values to us and operates a similar business in South Australia,” Edwards said.