Questions from Customers (KOOKABURRA)
1. Who is COS?
COS is the largest 100% Australian owned and operated national office product company. COS are 100% focused on the Australian market. COS are passionate and committed to the customer experience and the office products industry. Founded in 1977 by Dominique Lyone as a local office stationery business. 45 years later COS is a B2B supplier, thousands of products with over 500 staff, and offices and warehouses in every state and territory. In September 2021 Belinda & Amie (Dominique's Daughters) took over as Co-CEOs and Dominique stepped into the role of Chairman.
COS has always been committed to continued annual growth organically (i.e. business development and category extension) however over recent years COS have been actively looking for acquisition opportunities as well. In May 2018, COS acquired Lyreco, in August 2019 COS acquired Vital Office in Melbourne and more recently in October 2021 COS acquired QCA which contributed to COS's accelerated growth in the Perth market.
2. Why did COS acquire Kookaburra?
Kookaburra and COS have a lot in common, we are both privately owned, with COS, proudly a second-generation Australian family run business and Kookaburra being overseen by the same ownership for more than 25 years. Over many years, COS have admired the Kookaburra success, particularly when it comes to the Back to School Supplies and Audio-Visual Categories. This acquisition represents a strategic move for COS to expand the offering in the education sector and capitalise on the synergies between our two companies. This enables COS to enter the Audio-Visual category as well as expand the offer in Learning Aids, Sports, STEM and Music Supplies.
3. How will the change in ownership affect my company/processes?
Blending COS and Kookaburra businesses and teams will deliver synergies that will benefit the school and workplace buyer. Schools and Businesses across Australia will be delighted that COS is a clear locally owned and operated alternative, with significant buying influence to deliver competitive prices, a larger product range, a world class website, and a leadership team that is passionate about “Service Excellence”. We believe that by joining forces, we can leverage our combined strengths to further enhance our offerings and provide even greater value to our customers.
As of 1st October, 2024 the ownership of Kookaburra will transfer to COS however the Kookaburra business will continue to run as usual under the Kookaburra Educational Resources brand, using the current website and systems. You will continue to work with your Kookaburra account manager for your educational resource requirements. Back to School (BTS) Bulk Supply and StudentPacks remain as normal and Audio Visual Classroom, School Hall Supply and Installation continues. To be clear, COS do not want to interrupt the BTS season in any way, COS will use the coming months to learn about the Kookaburra systems and processes and design an integration process where our customers will benefit from both world’s coming together to create an even better customer experience.
4. Do I need to start ordering from the COS website?
No, you will continue to order through the Kookaburra website or through your usual Kookaburra contact.
5. Do I still make payments to the same bank account?
It’s important to take note that from the 1st October 2024 you will start to receive invoices from COS for orders placed through Kookaburra. You will notice the invoice will have a new logo – Kookaburra Powered by COS.
If you have Kookaburra set up in your system we recommend you set up Kookaburra Powered by COS in your system as a new vendor. There is a new ABN and Bank Account:
• Kookaburra Educational Resources 2 Pty Ltd ABN is 78 681 098 859
• New Bank details:
Bank: St George Bank Limited
BSB: 112-879
Account Number: 490 481 281
Account Name: Kookaburra Educational Resources 2 Pty Ltd
6. What is the order cut off time?
There will be no changes to the current cut off times.
7. Will the phone number change?
No, you can continue contact Kookaburra via 1300 766 997
8. Will the product range change? Will existing products still be available?
For now, it’s business as usual, Kookaburra will continue with the same product range. We are always adding new products, please ask us about our latest range additions.
9. Will prices change?
It is important to confirm that your agreement remains valid and unaffected by this decision. It will continue to be serviced as usual and there will be no changes to our commitment to service excellence.
10. Will all the terms of my contract be honoured?
It is important to confirm that your contract remains valid and unaffected by this decision. If you have a specific question regarding your contract please contact your Kookaburra Account Manager.
11. Will Kookaburra continue with Audio Visual Products & Servicing?
Kookaburra will continue to sell Audio Visual Products and Solutions as well as continue to provide installation services, it is important to confirm that your contract remains valid and unaffected by this decision. COS have proudly committed to offer employment to all Kookaburra employees. If you have a specific question regarding your service contract please contact the Kookaburra service department.
12. Should I continue to contact my Kookaburra Account Manager going forward?
Yes, it is business as usual for Kookaburra sales and support. COS have proudly committed to offer employment to all Kookaburra employees. You’re account manager won’t be changing and you should continue using your Kookaburra contacts for support to address immediate and ongoing needs.
13. How will I be informed of any changes?
You will continue to be updated regularly on the transition plan via your account manager and direct via email. COS is committed to a smooth transition of all customers. In the meantime if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to contact your Kookaburra account manager or customer service.