RW CRAWFORD TO ACQUIRE NEIGHBOURING DEALER

RW Crawford Agricultural Machinery Ltd has announced the acquisition of neighbouring AGCO dealer, Agwood Ltd.

In a statement Crawfords said the move represents " . . a continued commitment to providing a first-class experience for Massey Ferguson owners and users in Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex."

Terms agreed by the Crawford family with Agwood owner and managing director Ian Wood, mean that from early summer 2022 the three existing Agwood depots, at Swingfield and Linton in Kent, and Godstone in Surrey, will continue operating under the Agwood trading name. All the Agwood team members based at these depots will remain, ensuring continuity of service for their customers. Ian Wood continues his involvement in a senior advisory role, and general manager Phil Bush has been appointed MF dealer principal for the Agwood sales territory.

With the Agwood acquisition, Massey Ferguson will have group brand recognition in Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex from four depots.

Crawfords also continues as the Fendt and Valtra dealer for Essex, East Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, operating from its existing depots.

Ian Wood, who started Agwood in 1978 as a sole trader commented, “The Crawford family has a very similar ethos to ours, putting customers and staff at the heart of their business, and making them a great fit. Succession has always been a key factor for Agwood’s future and as the dealer network adapts to the challenges ahead, Crawfords has proposed a pathway forward for Agwood Ltd and our staff.

“With AGCO’s strategy for brand separation, the Crawfords head office in Essex will work alongside our depot teams, continuing to provide the high level of support you have enjoyed from Agwood Ltd over many years.”

Massey Ferguson national sales and business manager for the UK and Ireland, William Judge said, "Bringing these two groups together under the Crawfords management will put Massey Ferguson in a strong and stable position to ensure that our customers get the best customer care long into the future.”

Wes Crawford explained that acquiring the multibranch dealership will allow the business to develop within AGCO’s brand separation policy - Route 66, while also bringing benefits for new and existing customers, including a large product stockholding and expanded demonstration fleet.

“I have had several discussions with Ian, and he feels the time is right to plan his future and succession plan,” said Wes. “Our two businesses are staff and customer focused, which fits well with both parties. We are excited to be able to continue building on the teams’ hard work, supplying premium products and backing them up with the very best after-sales service.

“Our acquisition of the Agwood business brings added benefits of economy of scale, without losing the local back-up that we know is so important to customers.”