Deal blends two of the trade’s most prominent wholesalers.
DC Holdings (Lincoln) Ltd, the parent company of Battle Hayward & Bower Ltd, has acquired 100% of Trilanco Limited.
Under a deal announced on Friday (6 February), the eve of the spoga horse trade fair, Trilanco becomes part of the Battles group.
Customers, distributors and brand partners have been told to expect business as usual for the immediate future under the new combined group led by managing director Richard Dewey Clarke.
Over the coming months wholesale operations will be consolidated at the Wesham distribution centre in Lancashire, where Trilanco has been based. Manufacturing and brand management will remain in Lincoln, Battles’ home.
“The markets we service are facing a lot of competitive pressures and the combination of these two historic businesses will enable the enlarged group to better serve our customers’ needs,” said Richard Dewey Clarke.
“We’ve had extensive discussions with the management team at Trilanco and have some exciting plans to share with all our stakeholders in the weeks ahead. For now, customers should continue to order from Battles or Trilanco as normal.”
Martin Balmer, managing director of Trilanco – and whose parents Derek and Sylvia Balmer founded the equestrian, pet and animal health wholesaler in 1979 – is understood to be staying on as a consultant.
“Having grown the business over the last 45 years, it was personally important to me to see Trilanco’s future growth secured,” he said.
“This deal does just that. By joining forces with Battles, we can create growth opportunities for our combined teams, our customers and brand owners.
“It’s been an honour be at the helm of Trilanco for over four decades, and I know the company will continue to grow under Anna and Richard’s stewardship.”
Richard and Anna Dewey Clarke acquired Battles in February 2018 in a management buy-out. Own brands include Coldstream, Hy Equestrian, Lincoln and Supreme Products.
