ERNEST DOE AGREE TO SELL PART OF BUSINESS

Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd have announced that it has agreed Heads of Terms for the sale of its Case IH agricultural business currently based at Woodchurch, Ashford, to Haynes Bros Ltd.

Subject to final agreements, the transfer is expected to take effect from 25 July 2025.

Doe say this move follows five productive years of trading in the Ashford area for themselves. However in an official statement the company has said, ".. with two competing agricultural dealers operating in close proximity both with the Case IH franchise, it has become clear that a long-term, sustainable presence is not commercially viable."

The statement continued, "Following a strategic review of dealer coverage in the region and in close collaboration with CNH Industrial, our principal franchise partner, a mutual decision has been made to consolidate agricultural operations in the Ashford area within Haynes Bros Ltd’s existing CNH dealer network, which already holds the Case IH franchise in Birchington in East Kent."

As part of this agreement, the agricultural business currently operated by Ernest Doe Power Ashford including the agricultural staff, will be integrated into Haynes Bros Ltd’s network and the Ashford branch will close.

Doe stressed that this change does not affect their construction or groundcare operations, which will continue to operate as usual from their Dartford, Esher, Ringmer and Albourne branches.

Graham Parker, sales director, Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd, told Service Dealer, "Ashford has played a valuable part in our journey over the past five years, and we’re grateful to the team there for their dedication and to our customers for their support. As we continue to focus on long-term strength across our 20-branch network, this move allows us to consolidate our efforts and ensure we’re best placed to serve customers across our trading areas.”

While day-to-day operations will transfer to Haynes Bros from 25 July 2025, Ernest Doe & Sons will currently retain responsibility for the sale agreements on units sold to date, including outstanding account balances.

However, as Haynes will now cover both East and West Kent for Case IH farm machinery, including Case IH manufacturer warranty, customers are invited to open an account with Haynes Bros Ltd for in territory parts and service work.

Doe extended their appreciation to the agricultural team at Ernest Doe Power Ashford and concluded by saying "We are proud of what has been achieved and wish both our colleagues and Haynes Bros every success in this new chapter."