who is tractor supply buying

Tractor Supply is Making Major Acquisitions: Who are They Buying?

Tractor Supply, a retail chain specializing in farm and ranch equipment, has been making headlines recently for its string of major acquisitions. In the past few months, the company has announced several purchases of complementary businesses, signaling a bold strategic move to expand its market share. In this article, we will take a closer look at Tractor Supply's recent acquisitions and their potential impact on the industry.

Orscheln Farm and Home

In February 2021, Tractor Supply announced its acquisition of Orscheln Farm and Home, a privately-owned retailer with 167 stores in eleven US states. Orscheln specializes in farm and ranch supplies, as well as sporting goods, pet care, and workwear. With this purchase, Tractor Supply gains a significant foothold in the Midwest, where Orscheln is particularly strong. The acquisition also expands Tractor Supply's product offerings and customer base.However, some industry experts have raised concerns about the potential for overlap between the two brands. Both Tractor Supply and Orscheln sell similar products, and some of their stores are located in close proximity to each other. It remains to be seen how Tractor Supply will manage this potential issue.

Performance Livestock Analytics

In March 2021, Tractor Supply announced its acquisition of Performance Livestock Analytics (PLA), a technology firm that provides data analytics and management tools for the livestock industry. This purchase represents a significant move into the digital space for Tractor Supply, which has traditionally been a brick-and-mortar retailer.PLA's technology allows producers to track and analyze important data points such as feed efficiency, weight gain, and overall herd health. By acquiring this cutting-edge technology, Tractor Supply can offer its customers a more comprehensive suite of services, positioning itself as a leader in livestock management.

Wet Pets and Country Pets

In April 2021, Tractor Supply announced its acquisition of Wet Pets and Country Pets, a chain of pet supply stores with six locations in the Pacific Northwest. This move signals Tractor Supply's intent to expand its offerings in the pet space, which has been a strong driver of growth in recent years.Wet Pets and Country Pets specializes in exotic and specialty pets, as well as supplies and food. With this acquisition, Tractor Supply gains a stronger presence in the Pacific Northwest and gains expertise in the exotic pet market.

Impact and Future Plans

Tractor Supply's recent acquisitions demonstrate a clear strategy to expand its market share and diversify its offerings. By acquiring complementary businesses like Orscheln, PLA, and Wet Pets and Country Pets, Tractor Supply can capitalize on economies of scale and cross-selling opportunities.In a statement announcing the PLA acquisition, Tractor Supply CEO Hal Lawton said, \"We are committed to leveraging technology to better serve our customers and position Tractor Supply as a leading omni-channel retailer.\" This statement suggests that Tractor Supply may have more digital acquisitions in its future.However, the potential for overlap between Tractor Supply and some of its acquisitions has raised concerns among some observers. It will be interesting to see how Tractor Supply manages these potential conflicts and integrates its new companies into its broader business strategy.

Conclusion

Tractor Supply's recent acquisitions have made waves in the industry, signaling a bold move to expand its offerings and market share. By acquiring complementary businesses in areas like pet supplies and livestock management, Tractor Supply is positioning itself for future growth and profitability. However, challenges related to potential overlap and integration will need to be carefully managed if Tractor Supply is to fully reap the benefits of these acquisitions.