From WATTAgNet:Animal feed producer William Thompson has been purchased by agricultural supplies company Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association (BATA) for an undisclosed sum.William Thompson, which produces feed compounds for dairy, pig, beef, sheep, game and fish for farmers throughout the Yorkshire and Northeast England, was founded as a grocery shop 88 years ago.William Thompson was bought by its management team in 2007. The team acquired shares from two of its former chairmen and two other shareholders for an undisclosed sum.According to accounts filed at Companies House, William Thompson had turnover of around GBP32.33 million (US$51.78 million) in the year to April 30, 2013, and it employed 37 staff.BATA was established in 1894 as a farmers’ cooperative. It has a network of 10 country stores, two fuel stations and a specialty equestrian supply business. The cooperative now has 4,000 members.“The sale of our business to BATA is good news for both companies, our customers and, importantly, for the Yorkshire agriculture sector,” said Andrew Richardson, William Thompson managing director. “The strength and depth of the group will provide even more specialist help to our customers’ businesses, helping them navigate through the global challenges that face the agricultural sector.”