YOUNGSTOWN — Heritage Cooperative Inc., a Delaware, Ohio-based agriculture cooperative, has exercised its option to acquire Witmer’s Feed and Grain Inc. of Columbiana.

The transaction, expected to close June 30, includes the feed, grain, agronomy and retail assets of Witmer’s plus the company’s Millstone Farm and Garden and the Witmer Feed, Edge and Show It Feed brands that are licensed and sold in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Maryland.

“This proposed acquisition aligns with our goal of continued diversification of the business, while specifically enhancing feed production and operations throughout Ohio and in surrounding states,” Jeff Osentoski, Heritage Cooperative’s president / CEO, said.

“The Witmer Feed and Grain management team runs a terrific business and the company’s employees operate it superbly. I am confident that the addition of the feed, grain, agronomy and retail operations will benefit Heritage and Witmer customers immediately,” he said.

Witmer’s Feed and Grain was founded in 1978 by Dave and Joanna Witmer. The company, with locations on Renkenberger Road in Columbiana, its headquarters; a small store and warehouse on state Route 534 in Salem; and in Berlin, Pa., at the former Berlin Milling; specializes in the production and delivery of protein blends, mineral mixes, custom mixes, fertilizers and crop seeds.

“As a member of the Heritage Cooperative team, I am personally excited to continue to serve Witmer’s Feed and Grain customers and to provide additional opportunities for employees,” said Mike Witmer, president, Witmer’s Feed and Grain Inc. “Our vision and values align well with Heritage and together we will provide superior customer service and efficiencies with this strategic alignment.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Heritage Cooperative has existed for nearly 100 years and has more than 500 employees. Including its 1st Choice Energy Services, Heritage Cooperative has 45 locations, including several in the Mahoning Valley.

The Valley locations are Lisbon Street in Canfield (grain, energy, feed, Heritage Country Store); state Route 62 in Westville / Beloit (agronomy); Oyster Road in Alliance (energy, fuel station); South Lincoln Avenue in Lisbon (feed, Heritage Country Store); and River Road in East Liverpool (grain).