By Andi Anderson
Co-Alliance Cooperative, Inc. and Ceres Solutions Cooperative, Inc., two Indiana-based farmer-owned cooperatives, have announced an agreement to pursue a merger. The merger would create a new cooperative with 1,800 full-time employees serving hundreds of rural communities in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.
The boards of directors for both cooperatives have unanimously approved a member vote for the merger. Membership voting will take place in the coming weeks, and the cooperatives hope to complete the merger early next year.
"This merger will provide a tremendous opportunity for our 20,000 farmer-owners," said Jeff Troike, CEO of Ceres Solutions. "It will allow us to provide more robust service offerings, greater investments in our assets, and an unmatched customer experience."
The combined cooperative will have a strong presence in the agriculture industry, with expertise in agronomy, propane, fuels, grain, seed, hog production, and feed. The cooperatives have already tested their partnership approach through their joint venture, Endeavor Ag & Energy, which has provided agronomy, propane, and feed services in north central Michigan.
"We are committed to providing our farmer-owners with the best possible service and support," said Kevin Still, CEO of Co-Alliance Cooperative. "This merger will allow us to do just that."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Indiana, Business