Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th March 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Countrywide Farmers calls in administrators
The Competition and Markets Authority did not approve the sale owing to concerns it could push up prices or lower quality.

Proposed sale to Mole Valley Farmers fails to get approval 

One of the UK’s leading suppliers to the rural community, Countrywide Farmers, has gone into administration after the proposed sale of its retail business fell through.

The company had been reviewing its options over the past year and agreed the sale of its retail division, which comprises 48 outlets, to Mole Valley Farmers in October last year.

Administrators have now been called in to decide the future of the business, however, after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) did not approve the sale, owing to concerns that it could push up prices or lower quality in 45 local areas.

The CMA referred the merger for a ‘phase two’ investigation, a process that Countrywide said could take up to six months. As a result of the extended time period, the company concluded that it would be unable to meet its financial obligations.

Countrywide commented in a statement: ‘Following their appointment, the administrators will determine the appropriate course of action and future for the business. It is with significant regret that the Countrywide Retail business which trades from 48 stores and employs over 700 staff will now face a very uncertain future.’

The company has appointed David Pike, Mark Orton and William Wright, partners of KPMG LLP, to act as administrators for the company.

Meanwhile the sale of Countrywide’s LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) business to DDC Plc completed on 1 March, for a sum of £28.75 million.

Mr Pike is quoted by Farmers Guardian as saying: “Following the recent CMA announcement, the proposed retail transaction cannot proceed. Unfortunately, given the significant trading difficulties and cash flow pressures, this has led the directors to consider their options and take the difficult decision to place the company into administration.
 
“It is our intention to seek a purchaser for the business in whole or part and we have appointed Hilco Capital to assist in running the stores whilst we explore and develop available options. We encourage anyone who has an interest to contact us immediately.”

Image by Cwfonline/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.