Wilbur-Ellis Snares Ripon
November 10, 2008 Wilbur-Ellis Co., a CropLife 100 member, has made two recent acquisitions, including taking over another CropLife 100 member — Ripon Farm Service, LLC — for greater market share in California. The company also gains footing in Colorado for the first time.
Wilbur-Ellis is purchasing the assets of Ripon Farm Service, LLC, a full-service agricultural fertilizer and crop protection distributor in Ripon, CA. The transaction is expected to close by Dec. 31, 2008 and will result in Ripon’s operations relocating and integrating with Wilbur-Ellis’ Manteca and Hughson, CA, branches.
In making the announcement, John P. Thacher, Wilbur-Ellis president and CEO, confirms the strategic value of Ripon. “Ripon is a major retailer and an important provider with an excellent reputation for delivering high-level service to farming operations in the Central San Joaquin Valley,” says Thacher. “Joining our two operations in this geography will provide our customers with the best available technology while continuing our strategic goal of acquiring successful organizations and integrating them into our existing business.”
Wilbur-Ellis also gains entrée into the Colorado market by purchasing the assets of Schall Chemical Supply, LLC, a full-service agricultural fertilizer and crop protection distributor located in Monte Vista and Delta, CO.
The transaction is expected to close by Dec. 31. Schall’s operations will relocate to new facilities within the same localities.
“Schall has served the San Luis Valley for more than 80 years and has an excellent reputation for delivering a high-level of service to its customers,” says Thacher, commenting on the entry into the Colorado market. “Acquiring Schall is consistent with our strategic plan of identifying well-managed businesses that provide us with a solid footing in new markets, as well as existing markets we already serve.”
The Colorado operations will be organized as part of the Southwest business unit.
The CropLife 100, now in its 25th year, is a listing of the top ag dealerships and cooperatives in our audience culled through an extensive survey. The annual rankings and analysis of respondent’s answers will be featured in the upcoming December issue of CropLife® magazine.
Visit www.wilburellis.com for more information.
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