Richardson International Ltd., Winnipeg, Man., announced on Dec. 11 that it has acquired Bestland Air Ltd., an independent crop inputs retailer located near Starbuck, Man. Richardson said the transaction, which closed on Dec. 8, adds to its growing network of retail crop input facilities across the Canadian Prairies.
“This business is an excellent addition to our Richardson Pioneer network as it will be an extension of our full-service Richardson Pioneer Ag Business Centre in Starbuck,” said Tom Hamilton, vice president, Agribusiness Operations. “It will provide us with additional capacity and enhance our ability to continue providing local producers with leading seed, fertilizer, and crop inputs technologies.”
Richardson has been expanding its crop inputs network through both acquisitions and new builds. The company acquired 10 retail crop inputs locations from CHS Canada in October (GM Nov. 3, p. 1), purchased two independent, full-service retail facilities in Vermilion and Forestburg, Alta., last summer (GM Sept. 1, p. 1), and acquired Crop First Agro in Grenfell, Sask., earlier this year (GM Feb. 3, p. 12)
Richardson also opened new crop inputs centers in Pasqua, Sask., in November, and Elrose, Sask., last summer. A third new facility is under construction in Wakaw, Sask., and is scheduled to open in 2018. The company announced plans for the three new facilities in fall 2016 (GM Sept 23, 2016).