Claas has increased its shareholding in Renault Agriculture to further consolidate its takeover of the French firm’s tractor concerns.

The German machinery giant now holds an 80% stake in Renault’s tractor business – up from the 51% it has held since its initial deal with the company in February 2003.

Claas says that since its takeover, sales of tractors from the Le Mans plant have lept by 25% and this has been matched by a strong rise funding for research and development.

Apparently we can expect to see the renewal of the product portfolio accelerate to a corresponding level.