Wrightson, Dalgety merger ‘reflection’

Press, 8 July 1986, Page 30

Wrightson, Dalgety merger ‘reflection’

PA Blenheim The proposed merger of Wrightson NMA arid Dalgety Crown was merely a reflection of what was happening in the wider rural community, the companies’ managers said in Blenheim.

Even if the merger did not go ahead, Dalgety Crown would face having to rationalise its services anyway, said 1 the manager, Mr Neil Croad.

Both he and the manager of Wrightson NMA, Mr Pat Palmer, expressed confidence that the merger would go ahead.

For the sake of their staff, more than for any other reason, they wanted a decision to be made as soon as possible. “It’s a very unsettling time for them and the

delay isn’t doing any good,” said Mr Croad. In expectation of the merger, plans were being made for the future of the

two companies in Blenheim.

It had already been decided that the*'new company, to be known as Wrightson Dalgety, would operate from'the existing Dalgety Crown premises. Some minor internal alterations would have to be made to accoinmodate the extra people. ! Mr Palmer said Wrightson’s premises would be either sold or leased, but this had yet to be decided. The actual number of staff to be affected was not yet known either. In line with 26 other regions throughout the country, the two companies have set up a job search programme designed to help their redundant staff find other jobs. Letters were being sent to all main employers in the district, indicating the kind of experience, knowledge and skill which

thosd who would lose their jobs through the merger have to offer. Both Dalgetys and Wrightsohs, in one form or another, have been in Marlborough since last centifry. Wrightsons is a conglomerate of at least three 5 companies. Levin and Company set up in Blenheim in -1848 and later ‘merged with the National Mortgage and Agency. Wright Stephensons was established in Blenheim about 1915-17 and joined the ’ combination in 1972.

Dalgetys began with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile which went to Blenheim in 1880.

In 1907, Dalgety and Company itself set up in Blenheim and the two merged in 1962 to become Dalgety N.Z. Loan, Ltd. In 1975 it became Dalgety N:z., Ltd, and in 1983 the merger with Crown was effected.