COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — Helena Chemical Co., based in Collierville, has reached an agreement to acquire the Illinois firm of Hintzsche Fertilizer and its subsidiaries, Burroughs Ag Services and Walter Seed and Fertilizer.
A second-generation family-owned business established in 1962, Hintzsche made the announcement to its customers in a letter in early September. A press release from Hintzsche adds: "After many thoughtful discussions by the ownership regarding how to perpetuate the business, it was decided a sale of the business was in the best interest of all stakeholders."
Company President and CEO David Hintzsche declined to comment further.
In the Sept. 3 letter to customers, Hintzsche wrote: "We ultimately made the decision to go with Helena because they are a successful, leading-edge and stable company with experience in ag retail on a national scale. They can bring resources to our business that will help our team to continue to provide a high level of service and innovation to your operation.
"Helena has been a long-term supplier to our organization, so we know many of their people and how they do business. Our agronomy management team will continue to lead the business and Helena has made a commitment to bring the entire employee team onboard. You will be working with the same sales and service team you that has served you well in the past."
Hintzsche has Illinois operations in Troxel, Maple Park, Kirkland, Scarboro, Minooka, Peru, Toluca, Dana, Lostant, Minonk, Sparland, Varna, Washburn, Wyoming, Grand Ridge, Sheridan and Amboy. In the same mailing, customers received a letter from Helena’s Midwest Division Manager John McKinney. He reiterated that employees will be retained, allowing customers to work with professionals they know and trust. He added, "We sincerely believe the people inside the building are more important than the sign on the door."
Randy Parman, vice president of Helena’s northern business unit, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, said the parties are working toward an October closing date.
