Pape Machinery buys 7 Oregon farm equipment stores

By The Associated Press Published: Sep 7, 2012 at 11:53 AM PDT

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Pape Machinery has purchased Fisher Farm & Lawn's seven stores across Oregon.

The former Fisher stores reopened Tuesday with the Pape name.

Former Fisher President and General Manager Patrick Richards tells The Oregonian that negotiations started about six months ago. He says Pape retained most of Fisher's 160 employees.

Pape officials declined to discuss financial details of the sale.

Founded in 1925, Fisher specialized in John Deere sales and services for commercial and residential uses.

Pape spokesman Pat Walsh says the purchase broadens and diversifies Pape's services.

Pape Machinery, part of the Eugene-based Pape Group Inc., has 30 retail locations in Idaho, Washington, California, Nevada and Oregon.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press