Pentland Golf in Preferred Supplier Agreement with Ransomes Jacobsen

Ransomes Jacobsen, the Ipswich-based turf maintenance equipment manufacturer has signed a five-year preferred supplier with Pentland Golf & Leisure Ltd, the new management company headed by Johnathan Callister of the Pentland Group, owner and operator of three golf courses in the southeast of England. Ransomes Jacobsen is a Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT) company.

Pentland Golf & Leisure Ltd, operated from offices at Etchinghill Golf Club near Folkestone in Kent, has been formed to provide a range of services to the golf sector including contract management, leasing and management consultancy together with operations in other leisure activities.

Commenting on the agreement, Johnathan Callister said,
"As we grow the business over the next five years I fully expect that Pentland will have somewhere in the region of 15 to 20 golf courses, either owned or managed, across the UK. That's why we need a commercial alliance with major companies in the sector, who can provide product excellence and unrivalled support, and that's the prime reason driving the decision to partner with Ransomes Jacobsen."

A typical example of Pentland's management philosophy is Pedham Place Golf Centre, the 27-hole golf complex situated at Swanley, just off junction 3 of the M25. Since agreeing to a management contract with the owners in 2008, Pentland has achieved significant earnings growth to enable the investment of £1.3 million in a new clubhouse, a project the owners had been contemplating for 10 years. Likewise, Wrag Barn Golf and Country Club in Wiltshire has more than doubled profits in the first year of management under Pentland.

"Our philosophy is quite simple," Johnathan Callister added, "we bring a commercial focus to under-performing businesses, driving up all the key revenue lines, controlling costs and utilising industry best practice to get the best results. There are many clubs out there at present who, for one reason or another, are not maximising the inherent value of their businesses. We are able to offer help and guidance to these businesses in a professional and confidential manner."

Rupert Price, Ransomes Jacobsen's UK and Ireland sales manager concluded saying,
"We've been working with Johnathan closely for the past eight years, but it will be beneficial to both parties to have a formalised agreement as Pentland grows their business over the next decade."

For more information about Johnathan Callister and the Pentland Group please visit www.thepentlandgroup.co.uk or www.pentlandgolf.co.uk and for Ransomes Jacobsen product information visit: www.ransomesjacobsen.com