A VALE of Evesham agricultural co-operative is expanding by taking over a rival business.

Littleton and Badsey Growers has expanded its requisites business by taking over the rival GMS business at Vale Park, Evesham.

The directors of the two companies announced the combining of the two horticultural requisites businesses last Friday.

Bill Arnold, chairman of LBG, said: "I am delighted with the excellent staff and modern facilities at Vale Park and am certain this will provide a stable future for a growers horticultural business in the Vale of Evesham."

The chairman went on to say: "The amalgamation of the two businesses will make a wider range of products and services available to all our members and customers."

Tony Fawcett, managing director of GMS, commented: "I have always felt that there were significant benefits to a combined requisites operation."

He pointed out: "This agreement allows GMS to concentrate on its core business of marketing short shelf life fresh produce to both the multiples and the food service sector, an area which necessitates development capital."

Chris Harvey, vice-chairman of LBG, said: "We shall probably look to a complete new image and a new name for the new company, but for the time being things will remain as they are."

The move marks a significant step forward for LBG, for many years a major player in the horticultural world in the Vale, but which has had a chequered life recently.

The society was put on the market last year, but at an extraordinary general meeting in Evesham Town Hall last November, members voted to give the board another opportunity to revive the society.