Ransomes dealerships change hands
PLATTS HARRIS ACQUIRE Ransomes Jacobsen's MANSFIELD BUSINESS
By Peter Driver
Platts Harris Ltd, the agricultural, construction and groundcare dealer based in Tuxford near Newark, Nottinghamshire, has been awarded the Ransomes Jacobsen dealership for the area previously covered by the company owned branch at Mansfield, effective 2nd August 2004.
Platts Harris is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lookers Plc, a major player in the motor trade with many prestige vehicle dealerships throughout the UK.
In order to ensure continuity of service to customers in the area and a smooth transition of the business, the current team of four experienced staff have all been offered, and have all accepted, continuity of employment with Platts Harris.
The business will operate from Tuxford, with an after-sales support centre based at existing premises in Darley Dale, serving a territory that encompasses Derbyshire, most of Nottinghamshire, and North Leicestershire.
Simon Wilson, Managing Director of Platts Harris commented, "We view the award of the Ransomes Jacobsen dealership as a very positive move for both parties and we are joining the dealer network at a very buoyant time, with very strong sales of core business products. Not only have we acquired the machinery and parts inventory previously held at Mansfield, but also the majority of workshop tools and equipment. This will ensure that we continue to support all customers with a thoroughly professional sales and after-sales service."
David Withers, Sales & Marketing Director at Ransomes Jacobsen added, "When we established the Ransomes Jacobsen branches in Autumn 2001 we stated at that time that we would sell direct if we could not find dealers that met our consistently high standards, both financially and in terms of customer support. I'm delighted to confirm that Platts Harris meet these criteria and welcome them into the Ransomes Jacobsen network. We wish them every success for the future."
Medland, Sanders & Twose PURCHaSEP J FLEGG LTD
Medland, Sanders & Twose Ltd (MST), the privately owned agricultural engineering and professional groundcare company based at Tiverton in Devon has purchased PJ Flegg Ltd, the Ransomes Jacobsen dealer for the southwest of England.
The sale, which became effective on 1st August, will see PJ Flegg continue to trade as a division of MST, with all 24 staff retained at the company's premises in Ottery St Mary near Exeter. Founder and former managing director of the company Patrick Flegg will be retained on a four-year consultancy.
Speaking of the sale he said, "I am delighted that I have been able to secure the future of the company, especially for the employees, some of whom have been with me since we opened the doors for business back in March 1984. I will still play an active role in the business for the foreseeable future and will be able to extend my association with the Ransomes brand into a fifth decade. I joined the company in Ipswich straight from school and travelled the globe with them before moving to the Ransomes dealership in Devon. I'm sad to be losing control but delighted to have secured the continuity of the company."
Founded in 1830 MST has a long and proud tradition serving the professional groundcare and specialist garden machinery sectors in the West Country. MST is the Kubota Groundcare main dealer for Devon and has other franchises that include Honda, Massey Ferguson, Sisis and Walker.
Chris Steele, managing director of MST commented, "I'm delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement with Patrick and his wife Shirley. We have known each other for many years and there's a definite synergy between two companies whose ethos is remarkably similar. I anticipate that integrating the Flegg business into our own will be achieved smoothly. I am absolutely delighted that all the staff have remained and can assure all customers that we will certainly maintain the high standard of service to which they have become accustomed."