The corporate finance team at PM+M – the Blackburn based chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management group – along with Farleys Solicitors have acted on behalf of Pearsons Farm Supplies in its sale of the business to Carrs Billington.
Since it was established in 2005, Skipton based Pearsons Farm Supplies has become one of the largest independent agricultural merchants in the north, with a trading area taking in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and North Wales. The business operates as an independent agricultural wholesaler stocking a wide range of products for the farming community and local retail customers. The value of the sale has not been disclosed.
Carrs Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd is a provider of agricultural products and services to farming and rural communities and is part of Carlisle-headquartered Carrs Group, which also operates engineering and food divisions.
Pearsons Farm Supplies will be incorporated into the Carrs Billington retail network, which now accounts for more than 30 stores across England, Scotland and Wales. Chris Pearson, who along with his wife Rachel set the business up, will join Carrs Billington as a regional branch manager.
Jim Akrill, partner at PM+M, provided corporate finance advice; whilst Charlotte Mills, associate partner at Farleys Solicitors, provided legal advice to the exiting shareholders of the company.
Chris Pearson said: “We are proud of the presence and loyal customer base that we have established in our local market base that we serve. Joining Carrs Billington will help take Pearsons Farm Supplies’ operations to the next level and meet our growth aspirations”
Jim Akrill added: “Pearsons Farm Supplies Limited is a long standing business advisory client of PM+M and we are very happy to have supported them throughout the sale process. Being part of the Carrs Group represents a great opportunity for continued business growth during a time of change in the agricultural sector. I am sure that Chris and his team will continue to prosper in their new environment.”
Charlotte Mills said: “It has been a pleasure working with Chris and Rachel on this deal. They have built a fantastic business which has gone from strength to strength under their management. This is an exciting new chapter for Pearsons Farm Supplies as they join Carrs Billington Agriculture and we wish the team the best of luck for the future.”