Carrs Billington Acquires Agricultural Merchant

Carrs Billington, which is part of the Carlisle-headquartered Carr's Group, has acquired an agricultural merchant in Skipton.

Following the deal, 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 up the business, joins Carrs Billington as a regional branch manager.

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, partner at PM+M, provided corporate finance advice while Farleys Solicitors associate partner Charlotte Mills gave legal advice to the exiting shareholders of the company.

Akrill said: "Pearsons Farm Supplies is a longstanding 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."

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."