Carrs Billington Agriculture (Operations) Limited has announced the purchase of the assets and goodwill of W & J Pye Limited (in administration).

The main assets purchased are the feed mills at Lancaster, Langwathby, Blackburn and Shrewsbury, together with the associated transport fleet. Carrs Billington Agriculture (CBA) consists of two companies - Carrs Billington Agriculture (Operations) Limited and Carrs Billington Agriculture (Sales) Limited whose joint shareholders are Carr's Milling Industries PLC and Edward Billington & Son Limited.

Chris Holmes, Chief Executive of Carr's Milling Industries, said: "The acquisition of the assets of the Pye Bibby business when added to the existing resources of CBA including our retail branch network of 14 outlets will further strengthen the offer we can make to our farming customers.

"We supply feed, fertiliser, animal health products, fuel oil and all farming requisites which are intended to be very cost-effective for our customers and to simplify the number of companies with whom they have to deal. We believe the financial strength of CBA's parents, Carrs and Billingtons, gives stability and certainty for Pye Bibby customers and suppliers who have had serious concerns about the business over the last few months."

Lloyd Whiteley, Chairman of Edward Billington & Son Ltd, added: "This purchase shows the continuing commitment of Carrs and Edward Billington to the agricultural sector in difficult conditions for all concerned, whether they be suppliers or farmers. We intend, after evaluation and appropriate consultations, to consider a rationalisation of the mill structure to ensure our products are produced in the most cost-effective manner to the benefit of our customers, suppliers and, yes, ourselves. We are confident that, following the success of our AF purchase a few years ago, more order will be brought to the market and Carrs Billington Agriculture will consolidate its position as the market leader in the North West of England to the benefit of all who deal with us."