United Suppliers, of Ames, Iowa, and Land O' Lakes, of Arden Hills, Minnesota, have agreed to a merger of United with Land O’ Lakes' crop-inputs business in a move to create a system of independent agricultural retailers. The deal is expected to close in October.
Both companies expect the merger to benefit customers significantly.
"This merger will allow us to continue to meet our customers' needs through each company's successful go-to-market strategy, while providing for the size and scale to compete in an environment of consolidating suppliers and competitors," Chris Policinski, president and CEO of Land O'Lakes, said. "We are excited to bring our WinField business and United Suppliers together and expect our members, owners and customers will benefit greatly from this merger."
The first priority in the merger is to combine the companies’ seed and crop-protection divisions, as well as crop-nutrient operations, under WinField U.S. LLC.
"Both organizations exist to increase our customers' capabilities and competitiveness. By coming together, we are true to our shared purpose, and we also preserve our different approaches to best serve a wide variety of customer needs," Brad Oelmann, president and CEO of United Suppliers, said. "Together, we are positioned to protect and build the future of independent agricultural operations in an environment of consolidation."
United Suppliers and Land O’ Lakes expect the merger to help customers in a wide variety of aspects to keep them competitive, including expanded products, tools and technology.
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