Agricultural business swoops in for rival firm

Agricultural machinery supplier Ripon Farm Services has completed the acquisition of neighbouring business, John Deere dealer RBM Agricultural.

The combined businesses will now trade as Ripon Farm Services, with all existing Ripon Farm Services and RBM branches as well as all branch staff being retained.

With a turnover of £70m, Ripon Farm Services is an agricultural machinery dealer and employs 190 people across nine depots.

RBM is a £45m turnover business, employing 84 staff at its five branches in Market Weighton, Malton, Retford, Brigg and Louth.

Geoff Brown, managing director of Ripon Farm Services, said: “This acquisition represents considerable investment in our business and our skilled workforce and fits perfectly with our growth ambitions.

“It provides us with a great opportunity to expand our reputation for delivering high quality products and services to a much wider customer base.”

Adrian Denner, managing director of RBM Agricultural, added: “Ripon Farm Services shares our values for providing premium brands backed by expertise and excellent standards of service, a combination which delivers best value to customers.”