Wrightson buys Wairarapa Livestock

PGG Wrightson subsidiary Williams and Kettle has acquired independent livestock trader Wairarapa Livestock.
The takeover is effective from February 22, Williams and Kettle district manager Duncan Fletcher said.
Wairarapa Livestock is based in Masterton, with five representatives Mike Wiley, Peter Taylor, Jim Brassell, Neil Cobb and George McKay who will all join Williams and Kettle.
Wairarapa Livestock agent Mike Wiley views the move to PGG Wrightson as a logical one, with Wairarapa Livestock clients having access to a far wider range of marketing and financing options than were previously available while still having the ongoing service from their existing livestock agent.
"The acquisition supports PGG Wrightson strategy of making prudent acquisitions to grow the business where opportunities arise. This seems like an ideal relationship" Mr Fletcher said.
"It provides benefit to Wairarapa Livestock clients of a larger network for the sale and purchase of livestock and access to other Williams and Kettle business streams and products while Williams and Kettle get benefit from a highly-experienced and respected team of agents," he said.
Nigel Thorpe, PGG Wrightson's general manager livestock, said the purchase was part of the group's strategy to make targeted acquisitions for growth.
"This is a mutually beneficial move. PGG Wrightson is adding a highly-experienced and respected team of agents, whilst the Wairarapa Livestock clients gain the benefits of a larger network for sale and purchase of livestock, along with access to other PGG Wrightson services and products," Mr Thorpe said.
The acquisition extends the PGG Wrightson livestock business to nearly 300 representatives, located throughout New Zealand.
In the lower North Island PGG Wrightson's livestock division operates under the Williams and Kettle brand.