Frontier acquires assets of grain co-operative Fengrain

The assets of Cambridgeshire-based co-operative Fengrain have been acquired by the UK’s largest grain marketing business.

Frontier acquired Fengrain for an undisclosed sum.

Fengrain and Frontier first partnered in 2019, with Frontier taking over its grain trading and marketing services.

The acquisition will result in further consolidation within the UK grain marketing sector.

It is not yet clear whether the Competition and Markets Authority plans on investigating the merger.

See also: ForFarmers and 2Agriculture merger investigated by CMA

A 93,000t combinable crop storage site at Wimblington, Cambridgeshire, will be absorbed into Frontier’s existing business as part of the acquisition.

Frontier’s grain director, Simon Christensen, said: “The acquisition of Fengrain is positive news.

“It means we’re able to provide growers with more financial security and grain handling expertise across the east of England.

“Our ownership of the Wimblington site will also allow further investment into the facilities there.

“We’re very pleased to welcome the expertise of those from Fengrain into the regional Frontier team.”

Mr Christenson added: “Our ongoing investment into our storage operations means we can continue to support resilient and sustainable supply chains, supporting our farmers and delivering against the food safety requirements of our consumer customers.”

Fengrain chairman Richard Means believes the deal has delivered the right result for its members and the future of the store.

He said: “The new storage and marketing arrangement should incentivise and provide flexibility for all who use it going forward.

“To complete this transition with support from our members in such a short time is also credit to all involved.

“We are looking forward to working more collaboratively with Frontier.”