The joint administrators of Countrywide Farmers Plc have confirmed that they have sold 14 of the farming and equestrian retailer’s former stores, safeguarding a total of 169 jobs.

The 14 stores, which are in locations around the UK, have been sold to various farming and agricultural store operators, the majority to Wynnstay. A total of 169 Countrywide Farmers employees have transferred to the respective owners of the stores in which they work.

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Picture:Wadebridge - one of the stores sold

David Pike, partner at KPMG and joint administrator, said: “Following our appointment as joint administrators for Countrywide Farmers, we are pleased that we have been able to safeguard the future of 14 stores, and moreover the jobs of 169 staff. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to achieve four further sales from the remaining trading leasehold stores.

“Regrettably however, as with the majority of administrations, redundancies are unavoidable and a total of 208 people have been made redundant at the company’s headquarters in Evesham, the Defford logistics centre and stores that have closed. With no prospect of going concern sales for 11 of the 15 remaining stores, these will be closing with a final trading date of 20 May 2018. All affected staff have been informed and will be paid up to and including their last day of employment.

“We are pleased that we have been able to trade the stores for this duration to allow the successful sales to take place. We’d like to thank every employee for the support and professionalism they have provided to the company, both before and during the administration.”