LIMESTONE Coast farm machinery retailer, Wickham Flower will be acquired by a group of companies headquartered in Canada.
A statement issued on Wednesday from the Brandt Group of Companies said it had reached an agreement to acquire the assets of Wickham Flower and Co Pty Ltd.
Wickham Flower has branches in Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Bordertown and Keith.
With the acquisition of these four locations, Brandt will own and operate 23 John Deere dealerships across Australia and New Zealand.
“Like Brandt, Wickham Flower has a proud history dating back 90 years and we are excited to have this strong foundation to build on,” said Brandt chief executive Shaun Semple.
“Brandt has a lot to offer and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and earn the loyalty of our new customers through a combination of premium products and services and a consistent, high-quality customer support experience.”
Mr Semple said Brandt is no stranger to the Australian market.
“For over 30 years, Brandt’s manufactured products, including high quality grain handling and cultivation equipment, have been a common sight on Australian farms,” he said.
“This additional retail footprint provides Australian farmers with increased access to a comprehensive lineup of Brandt-manufactured augers, belt conveyors, chaser bins, heavy harrows and more, along with a full range of John Deere agricultural, turf, golf and compact construction equipment.”
“It’s exciting to see that the values that have driven Wickham Flower’s success for over nine decades will live on under the new ownership,” said Wickham Flower Dealer Principal, Vaughn Colwill.
“I am so pleased that while the name on the door may change, customers will still be able to count on their trusted local team for advice, support, and the best selection of equipment in the region.”
Following the completion of the purchase, expected on June 30, the company plans to introduce expanded equipment and parts inventories.
The Brandt Group of Companies is a privately owned manufacturing and distribution company that serves industries such as agriculture, construction, forestry, rail, mining, steel, transportation, material handling, and energy.
It has more than 5400 employees in more than 170 locations in Canada, the United States of America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Wickham Flower was founded by Mr Wickham Flower in 1931 and the company has more than 90 employees across its four locations selling and servicing agricultural equipment in the South East of South Australia and Western Victoria.
