OLIVER LANDPOWER TO ACQUIRE FELLOW DEALER

Commerical dealers Oliver Landpower Ltd, whose head office is in Luton, have announced that an agreement in principle has been reached to acquire the business of LQG Agri Ltd, the JCB Agriculture main dealer for Warwickshire and surrounding areas from early October 2022.

LQG Agri Ltd, owned by the Lockwood Family have evolved from the origins of Lower Quinton Garages Ltd. Set up by Geoff and David Lockwood in 1972, over the years the business expanded to include sales, parts and service of a range of agricultural machinery and equipment. In 1997 the company moved into the current premises in Goose Lane Upper Quinton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

The Stratford based business will operate under the new ownership and management of Oliver Landpower Ltd. All existing LQG Agri staff will transfer to Oliver Landpower Ltd and the business will continue to operate from the existing premises.

In a statement Olivers said, "This is yet another important step in Oliver Landpower Ltd.’s continued growth in order to support the needs of our customer base and to provide additional security for the future to the business and the staff alike."

Geoff Lockwood, director of LQG Agri said in a statement to customers published on their website, "It is with sadness that I must advise you that after much deliberation, the Lockwood family have decided to sell the business of LQG Agri Ltd to our neighbouring JCB dealer Oliver Landpower Ltd.

"I am now seventy-six years of age; I miss the support of my brother, David, who I set the business up with 50 years ago and there is no family member to take over. The Lockwood family recognises that the future structure of agricultural machinery dealerships must change to reflect the changes in farming as a whole. Size and geographical area are critical to give a sensible return on the ongoing investment which is needed to meet the requirements of customers and manufacturers and to keep pace with ever rapidly changing technologies.

"We therefore see that this is a necessary and logical decision, as painful as it is after 50 years."