SOLD : Cornish Agricultural Machinery Business Bought By Expanding Local Company

Christian Smith Agriculture of Doublebois, Liskeard has recently been purchased by B & B Contractors of Gunnislake with Beardsley Theobalds, the specialist business transfer agents, having acted for the vendors.

Established in 1980 by husband and wife, Christian and Diana Smith, the business of Christian Smith Agriculture grew from a ‘one man and a van’ style operation to achieving a sizeable turnover and employing seven staff at its 4,000 sq.m operation on the Doublebois Industrial Estate near Liskeard. The business is built around agricultural engineering and includes the sale and hire of new and quality used machinery, repairs and servicing. It also retails a range of power tools, oils and a multitude of accessories from its on site shop. Additionally, a range of steel products is also supplied, cut to customers’ requirements from the on-site steel workshop.

Having spend nearly thirty years developing their business, Christian and Diana decided that it was time for a change and so they decided to instruct specialist business transfer agency, Beardsley Theobalds of Exeter (01392 253071) to act for them. A national marketing campaign was conducted and the business was also advertised on their web site. The business attracted interest not only from across The South West but from as far afield as France with an ex-pat with a farming and business background looking to return to England. However, the eventual purchasers were from very close to home, being Tim and Sharon Bloye who own B & B Contractors of Gunnislake. Their business centres around agricultural contracting but is also involved in many and varied enterprises such as agricultural plastic waste recycling, commercial waste recycling, green waste composting and many other agricultural services.

The businesses fit very well together offering synergy but also providing opportunities for expansion. Christian and Diana will be on hand to help with a smooth transfer of their business but Tim and Sharon are well equipped to maintain the reputation for excellent service that the business has established.

Charles Webb, Beardsley Theobalds