Kentish Express Ashford & District
Fergus moves to buy KWG
A property magnate has expressed his interest in taking over an ailing countryside supplier which is in administration.
Last week, the Kentish Express reported that farmers co-operative Kent Wool Growers (KWG) had been taken on by administrators from KPMG after it failed to find a buyer.
The firm was set up in 1920 and sells agricultural supplies, animal feed, farming clothing, footwear, shotguns, and shooting supplies, to farmers and the public, and also offers a fuel brokerage service.
But the company, based at Tannery Lane in Ashford, has suffered a downturn in both retail and account sales, putting pressure on its cashflow and leaving 48 jobs at risk.
Now, controversial landlord and businessman Fergus Wilson says he is interested in taking over the company, and says he has approached KPMG.
Mr Wilson said: “We have to move with the times. Farming is no different.
“The Kent Wool Growers has gone into administration.
“To avoid rumour, I make it clear that I have not purchased the company from the administrators at this stage but merely made an enquiry.
“I want to keep it going as an agricultural merchant which why I am interested in purchasing it lock, stock, and barrel.”
Mr Wilson is believed to be among a number of interested parties.
KPMG administrator Steve Absolom said: “We have received a number of expressions of interest in the business and assets, and so far our efforts are focussed on achieving a going concern sale, which will secure as many jobs as possible. The stores remain open and KWG continues to support the farming community as best it can in these circumstances.”
Mr Wilson, of Boughton Monchelsea, has hit the headlines for his letting criteria policy for tenants which has banned single mums, plumbers, battered wives, and “coloureds” who make homes “smell like curry”.
The comments attracted criticism from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, which applied for an injunction against the policy in May.