Allied Cooperative, Adams, Wisc., announced that the members of Arcadia Co-op, Arcadia, Wisc., voted on Aug. 26 to approve a merger with Allied. The combined business becomes effective Dec. 1, 2014, and will have approximately 375 employees and serve customers from 32 locations in nine Wisconsin counties. Company leaders estimate the combined organization’s sales will be approximately $280 million.
“We are very pleased with the result of today’s votes,” said Bob Boberg, Arcadia general manager. “Our members have recognized the opportunities that a combined cooperative can provide and we are eager to move forward as part of Allied Cooperative.”
The boards of directors of both organizations announced in June that they had signed a letter of intent for a merger (GM June 16, p. 10), and would complete a feasibility study in advance of an August vote. Allied CEO Timothy Diemert said on Aug. 26 that team members from both co-ops will now work together over the next several months to create an integration plan for a smooth transition for customers and employees. He also said Allied will “introduce positive changes” that build upon the best qualities of each organization.
“We look forward to Arcadia Co-op members becoming part of the Allied Cooperative family,” Diemert said. “We share a commitment to our members, employees, and the communities we serve. Together we look forward to growing our cooperative and better meeting the expanding needs of our members.”
Allied currently serves customers in central and western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota through six divisions – agronomy, energy, feed, grain, transportation, and retail – and has locations in Adams, Blair, Galesville, Mauston, Melrose, Mindoro, Plainfield, Plover, Tomah, West Salem, Wisconsin Dells, and Wisconsin Rapids. Allied was formed in April 2013 (GM March 25, 2013) with the merger of Wisconsin River Co-op of Adams and Farmers’ Co-op Supply & Shipping Association of West Salem, Wisc.
Arcadia has agronomy, bulk fuels, LP, and feed operations, and also operates a convenience store and an automotive service center.