Heritage Tractor announced its acquisition of Larson Farm and Lawn locations across Missouri and Arkansas.
Heritage Tractor, a Midwest dealer of John Deere products headquartered in Baldwin City, Kan., adds Larson’s John Deere service center to its network.
Glenn Larson, CEO of Larson Farm and Lawn, initiated talks due to his desire to focus efforts on his semitrailer business, said Jessi Royer, marketing manager at Heritage Tractor.
Heritage Tractor, which had been looking to expand its footprint, seized the opportunity in a fast turnaround.
“It kind of was the perfect fit for both of us as our missions are very, very similar,” Royer said. “We talked a lot about our heritage; we’re both 20-year-old companies … so we were founded really about the same time. There’s just a lot of perfect things that aligned for us.”
Heritage Tractor had nine locations prior to the acquisition, as did Larson. Of those 18 locations, one community merged stores for a total of 17 locations across Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas.
The immediate benefits to Heritage Tractor include expanded territories for selling and servicing John Deere agricultural and outdoor maintenance equipment, as well as the retail of other products such as Traeger grills or Honda equipment. Additionally, by adding Larson Farm and Lawn’s expertise in servicing, a greater number of customers now have better access to equipment service.
“We wanted to make sure that all the Larson customers really feel like there hasn’t been much of a change,” Royer said. “We don’t want them to feel like they’re dealerless because it really is the same people that they’re going to go in and see every day, which is one of the other benefits. We’re not changing out anything really in terms of customer service, we will keep all the same promises that Larson has given those customers.”
Following the acquisition, Larson said, “Larson Farm and Lawn has always focused on providing our customers with the ideal customer service experience and empowering our employees with quality and meaningful work. Heritage Tractor shares our same mission and we’re excited to join forces in helping our longtime customers and employees continue growth and success moving forward.”
