One of Britain’s biggest farm equipment dealers, Rea Valley Tractors, is close to appointing administrators as the business, part of Dunstall Group, battles an industry-wide slowdown in tractor and machinery sales.

A statement issued on 20 August by the firm said: “Owing to challenges currently facing the group, the Directors of Dunstall Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries… have taken the difficult decision to file a notice of intention to appoint administrators.

“The Group is not currently in administration and continues to trade with the support of its key stakeholders.

“This step provides the opportunity to explore options for the best route forward for the future of the business.”

Companies House filings show the business made a pre-tax loss of £6.96m in the year ending 31 December 2023.

Farmers Weekly understands that the company is still supporting farmers with essential parts, repairs and servicing to keep customer machines going.

Simon Clarke, chairman of Dunstall Holdings, built RVT into a multi-branch dealership supplying John Deere, JCB, Kuhn and other equipment across Shropshire, Staffordshire and neighbouring areas.

In 2022, when given the option to sell-up to neighbouring John Deere dealers, the bold decision was taken to relinquish the franchise, take on New Holland across a larger trading area with additional branches and, at the same time, expand its JCB coverage.

In the following year, Dunstall Holdings acquired Teme Valley Tractors to extend the New Holland territory further into Wales, and in 2024 acquired Russells’ new-build Cubley depot for a further territory expansion on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.