Hutchinsons, the East Anglian agronomy and consultancy firm, is to acquire the Lincolnshire-based Brown Butlin group.

Managing director David Hutchinson said: “The combination of Hutchinsons and Brown Butlin will create a very strong agronomic advisory business which will have a great team of people, a strong commitment to research and development and a secure finsncial platform.”

Hutchinsons, which returned pre-tax profits of £1.7m on a trunover of £65m has aqcuired the business of Brown Butlin for an undisclosed sum. Brown Butlin, which has a turnover of £30m, will continue to trade under the same name.

Mr Hutchinson added that the purchase of Brown Butlin was a family succession issue which would provide continuity for Brown Butlin staff and customers.“The business is focussed on providing the high quality services and propducts that professional farmers require.”