Glencore Agriculture UK has expanded its business with the acquisition of animal feed product supplier Mercury Commodities.
The firm, which is the agricultural arm of global commodity trader Glencore, said the purchase of the Dorset-based company would enable it to offer a full range of animal feed ingredients to UK farmers.
Managing director, James Maw, said the deal comprised Mercury’s complete assets of employees and expertise, along with its international deep-water terminal and storage facilities on the Isle of Portland.
He said the Portland site would give the company an exciting platform for the import of animal feeds from its global crop processing facilities.
“We are looking to further invest and extend the site’s capacity and capability, alongside working with expanding the import arrangements at Teesport and other ports – to fulfil the major livestock areas of the UK and supply an increasing nationwide customer base,” added Mr Maw.
He also revealed plans for the company to recruit additional traders to service the “growing grain and feed product business”.
“This represents the next phase in the development of Glencore Agriculture UK’s commitment to support the entire farming sector,” added Mr Maw.
“With uncertainty over the future of export opportunities and international markets, we can seek to connect and enhance domestic consumption for arable grain, oilseeds and protein crops, to supply a productive and viable livestock sector. The move will secure and fulfil UK demand, as well as to exploit any export opportunity to improve returns for UK farmers.”
