Federated Co-operatives Ltd. has announced it is increasing its involvement in the agriculture service sector through the purchase of 17 fertilizer, seed and agriculture chemical supply centres from Viterra Inc., including the North Battleford site.
Also included in an agreement to purchase that is expected to close by the end of September is a site in Leoville.
"This agreement enhances our federation's agri-business presence across the Prairies," says FCL's Ron Healey, associate vice-president, Ag and Home Products. "We are pleased to be acquiring these assets and look forward to acquainting new employees and customers with the CRS and the benefits it has to offer."
According to a press release, the purchase is a two-step transaction for FCL: first, to acquire the 17 sites from Viterra; and, second, to transfer ownership and operations to local retail co-ops. FCL and local retail co-ops are working together to finalize details of the ownership transfer and will announce details once the deal with Viterra is closed in September, the release adds.
The employees at the 17 centres will be offered similar terms and conditions of employment within the CRS.
The other six sites in Saskatchewan are at Canwood, Cupar, Lloydminster, Prince Albert, Strasbourg and White Star. The eight in Alberta are at Barons, Claresholm, Crossfield, Grimshaw, High River, Manning, Stettler and Viking. The sole site in Manitoba is at Roblin.
Retail co-ops currently operate more than 140 agriculture service centres in Western Canada.
