Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal broke the news that midlands-based New Holland dealership WR Shaw Ltd was served with a notice of termination by New Holland.

The move came as a massive shock to many, as Shaw is Ireland’s best-known New Holland dealer and one of Ireland’s largest tractor dealerships across all brands.

In a statement issued to the Irish Farmers Journal, managing director Billy Shaw said: “We have tried to negotiate with the management in the UK, but it seems that the decision will not be reversed.

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“However, as you know, there is New Holland blood running in our veins and so, from February 2022, we have arrangements in place to source low-houred ex-hire tractors in the UK and Europe and will continue to supply New Holland tractors to our very loyal customers.”

Arising from these developments, we anticipate that we can now be even more competitive in our future dealings

“Our parts manager has also sourced genuine New Holland parts from the dealer network in Europe and beyond with very competitive pricing, and our excellent staff will continue to give the great service for which we are noted the length and breadth of Ireland.

“Arising from these developments, we anticipate that we can now be even more competitive in our future dealings.

“We would like to thank our loyal customers and friends for their support over the past 37 years and particularly over the past week. It has truly been appreciated. In the meantime, it’s business as usual.”

Background

The Irish Farmers Journal believes the delivery of the termination notice follows a dispute between New Holland and the Offaly dealer after it bought another New Holland dealer, Lyons and Burton.

It is understood WR Shaw stepped in to buy Lyons and Burton (in Kilcock and Carlow) when one of its owners became ill last year.

It is known that the Shaws and the Lyons have been friends for decades, with WR Shaw initially starting out as a sub-dealer to Lyons and Burton in 1984.

Shaw told the Irish Farmers Journal that New Holland initially positively received the news of the proposed change in ownership of Lyons and Burton and suggested he also take over a combine harvester franchise as well as hiring a new manager, which Shaw said he did.

Jeopardise agreement

But then, Shaw claims, for reasons apparently unknown, the manufacturer threatened that if Shaw acquired Lyons and Burton “in any form you will jeopardise your current dealer agreement with New Holland”.

This news will bring an end to a 37-year relationship between New Holland and the Tullamore firm

WR Shaw said it continued to proceed with the takeover and New Holland terminated both dealerships.

This news will bring an end to a 37-year relationship between New Holland and the Tullamore firm, with the two set to officially part ways from February 2022.

New Holland was contacted to see if any further plans have since been made for Ireland, but the tractor manufacturer said there has been no update from its statement last week.