WORCESTERSHIRE-based farming and country life conglomerate Countrywide Farmers is expanding its empire in a move that will make it the largest company of its kind in the UK.

The Evesham headquartered company is to acquire the trading business of Cornwall Farmers to increase its influence in the South West. Under the terms of the deal, which is expected to complete early next month, Countrywide will take on the operation of all 12 Cornwall Farmers country stores in Cornwall and Devon for a total of £6.050m. Cornwall Farmers Ltd will retain the freehold property, with Countrywide entering into long lease agreements as tenant.

Countrywide chief executive John Hardman said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring together these two highly respected brands to create a stronger offering to our customers. Cornwall Farmers has a long and proud history with experienced, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to welcoming them and the store network in Cornwall and Devon to the Countrywide family.”

The 12 Cornwall Farmers stores will take the Countrywide store portfolio to 66, creating the largest store group of its kind in the UK. The enlarged portfolio will increase further with Countrywide scheduled to launch new stores in Shrewsbury, Salisbury and Swansea in September and October.

Countrywide intends to retain the Cornwall Farmers name in Cornwall and Devon and quickly introduce retail innovations to the Cornwall Farmers store network, including its free ‘click and collect’ service and an extended product range through its agricultural

catalogue, which features more than 8000 products. In addition to increasing its store portfolio, Countrywide is investing more than £5m in a new IT platform which will transform the way the business operates.

Mr Hardman added: “The combination of this deal and the major investment in our new operating platform will support our ambition to deliver a seamless customer experience across our country stores, sales teams, online, catalogue and loyalty card scheme. Once the new system roll-out is completed by summer 2016, customers will be able to use their mobile, tablet or PC to click and collect at a store of their choice, as well as continuing to use all the traditional sales teams and stores to access our products and services. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and value to the rural sector, especially at a time when UK farming is facing considerable challenges on a number of fronts.”