Long-standing John Deere dealer JW Doubleday is to be sold to Ben Burgess in line with the manufacturer’s Dealer of Tomorrow strategy.
Doubleday has sold John Deere’s agricultural machinery for more than 40 years – an anniversary marked in 2022 – but an agreement has been reached with Ben Burgess to transfer all staff and sites, with a completion date expected before the end of October.
The deal will see Ben Burgess, which has been a John Deere dealer since 1964, expand into Lincolnshire for the first time, adding four more sites to its existing seven. It will take over the sites at Holbeach, Old Leake and Swineshead in Lincolnshire, as well as increasing its footprint in Norfolk with Doubleday’s depot at Kings Lynn.
It means that, from November, Ben Burgess will serve farmers and contractors in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Rutland.
Joedy Ibbotson, John Deere Ltd’s Divisional Business Manager, said: “I would like to express our gratitude to the Doubleday-Collishaw family for what they have done, supporting and growing the John Deere brand since becoming a dealer. The agreement with Ben Burgess – which ensures the continuity of the Doubleday team and dealership outlets within the John Deere network – is great news as it brings together two outstanding dealerships, both with a long history of representing John Deere.
“The two businesses are closely aligned. Both have a strong culture of customer support, helping customers embed John Deere’s products and cutting-edge technological innovations into their farming operations.”
Ben Turner, Director at Ben Burgess, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the agreement that has been reached with the Doubleday group, which has an enviable reputation for being a strong, successful and customer-centric business for 50 years. Farmers and contractors in Lincolnshire and Norfolk have been served fantastically by the group’s talented staff, and we are privileged to be taking on the outstanding legacy the Doubleday dealerships have built in the territory.
“We are both family businesses and share the same values. We will uphold our high standards for sales and service moving into the future. Both groups are committed to business continuity as usual for customers and staff while the deal is completed.”
Ian Doubleday-Collishaw, grandson of the company’s founder, commented: “This decision has not been taken lightly, but the Doubleday-Collishaw family is determined to protect the future of its loyal team and the longevity of a reputable John Deere dealer across our trading area.
“The combination of our joint processes, dedicated teams and the infrastructure already in place at Ben Burgess will deliver the best value to both our team and customers. We are confident the level of service you our customers are accustomed to will continue undisrupted.
“My family and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team and our loyal customers, many of whom we consider our friends who have supported us throughout our 40 years as a John Deere dealer.”