Informational Meetings Planned Before Merger Vote Between West Central Ag Services and CHS
FARGO, ND. (KVRR) — Informational meetings will be held this week as West Central Ag Services moves forward on a merger with CHS.
West Central is a northwestern Minnesota cooperative while CHS is a diversified global agribusiness co-op owned by farmers and member cooperatives across the country.
A vote on a revised proposal from CHS worth $225 million will take place on November 26 at West Central’s meeting.
The proposal requires two-thirds of members attending the meeting voting in favor of the merger.
If approved, the transaction would close in the coming weeks.
Informational meetings will be held this week in Mahnomen, Ulen, Beltrami and Warren.
Nov. 20
10 to 11 a.m.
West Central Ag Services Office, Mahnomen
2360 US Hwy 59 S.
Mahnomen, MN 56557
Nov. 20
2 to 3 p.m.
West Central Ag Services Office, Ulen
327 1st St. SW.
Ulen, MN 56585
Nov. 21
10 to 11 a.m.
West Central Ag Services Office, Beltrami
101 5th Street
Beltrami, MN 56517
Nov. 21
2 to 3 p.m.
CHS Ag Services, Warren
747 S Main St.
Warren, MN 56762
“We believe that proceeding with the proposed transaction with CHS provides our member-owners with numerous benefits, such as global market access for both grain markets and inputs,” said West Central Ag Services Board Chairman Duane Brendemuhl, a Moorhead, Minn., farmer. “While we received and considered another proposal, we continue to believe that CHS is the right fit for us.”
West Central picked CHS after a second bid from The Arthur Companies valued at $250 million on November 4.
Arthur had previously submitted an earlier bid in spring.
The company will also hold informational meetings at the following locations at 1 p.m. each day:
November 19 at The Eagles Club, Crookston
November 20 at the AmericInn, Fergus Falls
November 21 at the Shooting Star, Mahnomen
November 22 at the AmericInn, Hawley
“We appreciate the chance to sit down with West Central’s leadership this past week. The Arthur Companies remains willing to work out a deal that prioritizes the growers bottom line while maintaining competition and great customer service for future generations. We’re looking forward to meeting with growers this week and we encourage patrons to get out and vote on November 26,”said James Burgum, CEO of Arthur Companies.
