Co-Alliance, Ceres Solutions merger approved

INDIANAPOLIS — Effective March 1, Co-Alliance Cooperative and Ceres Solutions Cooperative Inc. will merge to form Keystone Cooperative Inc.

The boards and members approved the merger for the cooperative, which will have four core divisions — energy, agronomy, grain, and swine and animal nutrition.

The cooperative will serve customers in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois. It will employ over 1,700 people with an expected annual revenue of $3 billion.

“Keystone Cooperative brings together two financially strong, legacy-rich and highly successful cooperatives,” said Kevin Still, current president and CEO of Co-Alliance and future president and CEO of Keystone.

“This historic merger creates a cooperative that is equipped to navigate the ever-changing markets of today’s agriculture and energy industries.

“This powerful combination will build a cooperative that maximizes efficiencies, capitalizes on technology and has the resources to enhance our customer experience while preparing for the needs of our future stakeholders.”

Jeff Troike, the current CEO of Ceres Solutions, will serve as executive vice president of Keystone, alongside Scott Logue, current executive vice president of Co-Alliance.

“Our membership has recognized the value of this combination, and we are looking forward to achieving our promise of a cooperative that is focused on the success of our members, the vitality of our rural communities and providing an unparalleled return for our farmer-owners,” Troike said.

Keystone Cooperative will be headquartered in Indianapolis.