La Crosse, Wisconsin
December 17, 2007
La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed, LLC (“LFT”) of La Crosse,
Wisconsin, a recognized leader in forage, turf, pasture seeds,
and related specialties for agriculture, turf, and landscaping
announced its recent affiliation with Rural American Fund
(“RAF”). RAF is a private investment firm located in Chicago,
Illinois, targeting investments in rural American business
enterprises principally in the agriculture or ag-related
segments. This affiliation is a strategic partnership to
complement LFT’s growth plans.
The partnership will help advance La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed’s
strategic objectives of continued strong customer service, first
class product offerings, focused internal growth, targeted
market penetration and regional market expansion, all now
complemented by strategic acquisitions. Founded in February
2000, La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed has increased in size and
scope for nearly eight consecutive years to become one of the
regions most respected forage and turf seed companies serving
the agriculture, turf, pasture, wildlife, and erosion control
markets.
Company founder and CEO, Paul Curran, commented, “Several
companies have aggressively pursued an equity stake in LFT over
the past few years. I have decided to partner with Rural
American Fund based upon its operating style and knowledge of
seed distribution industry to help continue the strong growth of
the business and ensure the ability of La Crosse Forage & Turf
Seed to meet the changing and growing needs of our customers.”
Tom Karlson, Principal of the Rural American Fund stated, “We
could not be more excited about our partnership with LFT and
look forward to assisting them in achieving their growth plans.”
The transaction will be seamless to customers, employees and
suppliers, as Rural American Fund will not be involved in
management nor in day-to-day operations, according to Curran.
Paul Curran will remain CEO; Jeff Curran will remain Vice
President of Sales; and Tom Curran remains Vice President of
Operations. Employees will see no changes in their jobs, all of
which will remain in place. Company headquarters will remain in
La Crosse, Wisconsin.
“La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed will continue to expand as a
vibrant, privately held company,” continued Curran. “This
affiliation brings us closer to our vision of leading all of our
diverse market segments with a strong and growing regional
presence, while providing local support to customers through
high value seeds and related products.”
LFT customers and employees will benefit from this deal,” said
Paul Curran. “Customers will continue to have access to
excellent products, and it is anticipated that LFT’s warehouse
operations will expand to serve their growing needs. In
addition, the alignment of RAF and La Crosse will provide
customers access to an increasing line of seed and related
products as we grow to serve their needs.
“The employees of La Crosse will also benefit with increased
employment and advancement opportunities,” according to Curran.
"The company anticipates adding staff and employees as it adds
new markets, completes acquisitions and expands geographic
operations.”
La Crosse Forage & Turf Seed is headquartered in La Crosse,
Wisconsin, USA, and has a branch location in Ankeny, Iowa.
LFT’s diverse line of seed products is sold in 23 states. The
company’s multiple product categories include field seeds
(alfalfa, clover, hay and pasture mixes, and various forage
grasses) turf seeds (Kentucky Bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and
various turf seed mixtures), as well as seed corn, soybeans,
grains, inoculants, erosion control products and certain
landscape supply items. For more information about La Crosse
Forage & Turf Seed products and markets, visit
www.lftseed.com. |
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