Koch Fertilizer acquires J&H Bunn Ltd.

Wichita, Kan.-Koch Fertilizer Ltd., a subsidiary of Koch Fertilizer LLC, reported on March 16 that it has completed its acquisition of United Kingdom-based fertilizer blender and distributor J&H Bunn Ltd., including its subsidiaries. Koch Fertilizer LLC had submitted a filing with the U.K.’s Office of Fair Trading on Jan. 7 indicating Koch Fertilizer’s plan to acquire 100 percent of the shares of J&H Bunn (GM Jan. 10, 2011). The company said at that time that the transaction was expected to close during the first quarter, pending necessary approvals. “We’re pleased to be integrating J&H Bunn’s terminals and its distribution and blending capabilities into Koch Fertilizer’s global network,” said Steve Packebush, president of Koch Fertilizer, which is based in the U.S. “J&H Bunn has a long history as a highly respected independent fertilizer distributor in the U.K. market.” J&H Bunn was founded in 1816 in Great Yarmouth. It employs about 150 people in its fertilizer business, which is comprised of 7 terminals throughout the United Kingdom. Approximately 95 percent of the U.K.’s arable area lies within 100 miles of J&H Bunn’s port-related facilities. “Koch Fertilizer values our agronomic and blending capabilities and plans to retain the Bunn-related brand names,” said David Harrod, a UK director for J&H Bunn. “J&H Bunn’s customers should see welcome benefits from this unique combination of our local and global fertilizer capabilities and our shared commitment to customers. The Bunn management and operational teams will also help ensure continuity for our customers.” J&H Bunn’s major fertilizer terminals are in Great Yarmouth on the east coast, Middlesbrough (Teesside) in northern England, and Sharpness on the west coast. Bunn also has four other coastal and inland terminals at Falmouth, Howden, Montrose, and Fakenham.