AN animal feed producer which started life as a grocery shop in Goodramgate nearly 90 years ago is at the centre of one the largest corporate deals in North Yorkshire this year.

William Thompson (York) ltd, now based in Murton, has been bought by agricultural supplies business B.A.T.A., Malton, for an undisclosed sum in a deal that has created a group with revenues of £110 million.

The acquisition comes exactly seven years to the day after William Thompson (York) was the subject of a management buy-out by its five-strong team of directors, which will remain with the now enlarged business.

Andrew Richardson, managing director of William Thompson (York), which provides a wide range of dairy, pig, beef, sheep, game and fish feed compounds to farmers throughout Yorkshire and the North East, said: "The sale of our business to B.A.T.A. is good news for both companies, our current and future customers and, importantly, for the Yorkshire agriculture sector.

"The strength and depth of the group will provide even more specialist help and service to our customers' businesses helping them navigate through the global challenges that face the agricultural sector."

A multi-discipline team at North Yorkshire accountants and business advisers JWPCreers, together with commercial lawyer, Philip Ogden, from Harrowells Solicitors in York, advised the management team at William Thompson (York) on the company’s sale to B.A.T.A, which also has country stores and provides a range of agricultural fuels.

JWPCreers corporate finance partner Tony Farmer, said: "We have advised William Thompson (York) Ltd since the MBO as company auditors and through our agricultural department led by partner Stephen Headley.

"They understood the advice given and the importance of good business practice and preparation. Given the complexity of this deal and the timescales worked to we feel we have played a major role in what has been a significant corporate transaction."

Mr Ogden added: "Having been part of the original professional team supporting the Thompson’s MBO, I am very pleased to have been involved throughout and advised on this exciting sale. This will make a significant and positive contribution to the entire now enlarged group.”

William Thompson (York) was founded as grocery shop in Goodramgate, York, by William Thompson 88 years ago.