MONTREAL – La Coop fédérée, an agri-food cooperative with operations across Canada, agreed to acquire a 50 percent stake in W-S Feed & Supplies based in Tavistock, Ontario. The transaction is subject to fulfillment of certain conditions but is expected to close within the coming weeks. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

W-S Feed operates two feed mills in Tavistock and Mount Forest, Ontario. The company will continue to manufacture a variety of feeds for organic, beef, swine and poultry production in addition to dairy cattle. The Mount Forest feed mill produces feed — including certified organic feed — for swine and poultry. The Tavistock feed mill produces feed for multiple species.

“This investment represents a strategic entry into the Ontario market, in the animal nutrition industry this time,” said Ghislain Gervais, president of La Coop fédérée. “This partnership develops our portfolio of operations in the province and shows how important it is for us to provide farmers across the country with quality products and solutions for their animal feed.”

The Agri-business Division of La Coop fédérée gained a foothold in the animal feed segment in Canada through the acquisition of Standard Nutrition Canada. The division acquired the Ontario-based crop input and grain assets of Cargill earlier this year. The transaction is subject to approval by Canada’s Competition Bureau.

Key management and sales teams will remain in position so that the transition will be seamless for current W-S Feed & Supply customers.

“Over its 50 years of existence, W-S Feed & Supplies has thrived on its family-oriented legacy, by making sure that all its operations measured up against the highest quality standards in the industry and that management and sales teams remained dedicated to customer service and satisfaction every step of the way.” said Paul Wideman, president of W-S Feeds. “Building on this strong foundation, the new partnership with La Coop fédérée will bring new opportunities for our business and new expertise and value to the Ontario farmers that we serve.”