Co-Alliance, Ceres pursue merger

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana-based farmer-owned cooperatives Co-Alliance and Ceres Solutions Cooperative are pursuing a merger.

If realized, the combined cooperative will have 1,800 full-time employees who will serve hundreds of rural communities in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

“After considerable analysis, we believe this merger will provide a tremendous opportunity for our 20,000 farmer-owners,” said Jeff Troike, CEO of Ceres Solutions.

“This will allow our team to provide more robust service offerings, greater investments in our assets and an unmatched customer experience. Together we know there will be great synergies from this historic merger with the Co-Alliance team.”

The cooperative system plays a vital role in rural districts by investing in facilities, sustainable agriculture and the next generation of farmers.

“This merger drives our mission of serving our farmer-owners and the communities where we live and work,” said Kevin Still, CEO of Co-Alliance.

“The combined strength and legacy of success of Ceres and Co-Alliance creates a powerful partner for our farmer-owners and customers, helping them grow future generations. We are excited about this dynamic combination and what it means for the strength and future of the cooperative system.”

Membership voting will take place in the coming weeks, with a goal of completing the merger in early 2024.