Elders mum on PGW
Australian rural services company Elders has downplayed media speculation it is raising funds for a buyout of New Zealand’s largest agricultural services company PGG Wrightson (PGW).
THE SALE OF the Elders New Zealand (Elders) business to South Island based Carr Group has been completed following the sale announcement on June 20.
Elders managing director Stu Chapman and Carr directors,Greg and Craig Carr have been travelling New Zealand meeting with Elders staff and clients to discuss what bringing together two strong agri-businesses will mean for the rural community into the future.
"The feedback we have received from both Elders staff and current clients has been overwhelmingly positive" says Chapman. "The rural sector is very encouraged about the 100%New Zealand ownership and is keen to embrace a new Kiwi brand moving forward".
Carr Group managing director, Craig Carr said "I am looking forward to working with both companies under one entity and joining forces with Stu Chapman to create a robust rural business. We will continue to look for synergies across the combined group and are working on growth plans to support our vision. The Elders staff both Greg and myself have met with have been extremely encouraging and supportive of the sale"
The Elders business will continue to trade under the Elders brand for the foreseeable future with Chapman continuing on in his role as managing director.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.
Meat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.

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