Vaughn Colwill, Wickham Flower; Matt Rowett, Murray Nankivell Accountants; Mark Verco, Wickham Flower; Ben Abbot, Murray Nankivell Accountants; Leigh Muster, Wickham Flower; Justin Conroy, Brandt; and Tim Ormrod, Brandt. Photo: Brandt

BRANDT Group of Companies has confirmed that it has successfully acquired the assets of Wickham Flower & Co Pty Ltd, a John Deere Ag dealer group based in South Australian.

Initially announced in May, the agreement closed yesterday with the sale including Wickham Flowers assets across four locations: Mount Gambier, Naracoorte, Bordertown and Keith.

With this acquisition, Brandt now owns and operates 23 John Deere dealerships across Australia and New Zealand.

Brandt chief executive officer Shaun Semple said in a statement that the company is currently working to integrate the operations.

“We’re working hard to deliver better-than-ever value for Australian farmers and adding the award-winning team at Wickham Flower will help us to make that happen,” Mr Semple said.

“The integration of our operations is well underway, and farmers can anticipate seeing increased inventory levels for all product lines as well as improved parts availability in the coming months.”

Mr Semple said the acquisition demonstrates the company’s investment in and commitment to the Australian market.

It comes over six months after Brandt purchased three Melbourne John Deere dealership owned by Glenmac Sales & Service Pty Ltd.

Confident of continued service

Founded in 1931 as a general agency for wool, grain, fertilizer, oil, insurance, land sales, and farm machinery, Wickham Flower has grown to employ over 90 people across the four locations.

The company sells and services John Deere, JCB, Kuhn and other agricultural equipment and machinery.

In a letter to customers, Wickham Flowers said Brandt will continue the legacy of the company.

“As custodians of Wickham Flower, we have been very deliberate in our selection of Brandt as the new long-term owner of our business and the steward of the John Deere brand in this region,” the letter said.

“[We] are confident that Brandt’s experience and understanding of agriculture will only enhance the support that our team delivers for local producers.

“We believe Brandt’s shared values, immense resources, and deep agricultural industry experience aligns well with the values of Wickham Flower.

“Our commitment to great service, delivered by people that you know and trust will never change.

“The opportunities offered through Brandt makes this a tremendously exciting step for all.”

Headquartered in Saskatchewan, Brandt employs over 3400 people and services markets in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Source: Brandt