South Canterbury stock agents to merge with Christchurch f irm
South Canterbury stock agents Peter Walsh & Associates (PW&A) will join forces with Christchurch-based Hazlett at the end of June.
The move, which will create an organisation with more than 100 staff, will create an agency with a greater focus on the South Island, says a letter sent to clients.
‘‘PW&A was established nearly 20 years ago and, since then, has grown to be a significant and highly respected provider of services to South Island farmers,’’ the letter says.
‘‘Succession planning by Peter Walsh, Karen Walsh and the PW&A board identified
Hazlett as being the company which is closest in culture to PW&A and best placed to build on what the PW&A team has achieved over the years, particularly with Hazlett’s commitment to putting people first aligning so closely with PW&A’s ethos of putting a human face to its work.
‘‘Both companies are also family businesses, focused on building long-lasting client relationships.’’
The letter says ‘‘at a practical level, the way this will play out is Hazlett will acquire all of PW&A’s operations on July 2021, except for Peter Walsh & Associates Finance (PWAF)’’.
‘‘It will be the end of an era but Peter and Karen Walsh are not going anywhere and will still be involved with the business, and all PW&A team members have been offered positions,’’ the letter says.
‘‘So other than everyone wearing the Hazlett shirts, we expect things to run as they are with no disruption for our loyal clients.’’
Peter Walsh and Associates, which was established in 2002, has about 35 fulltime staff.
Walsh was not available for comment.