BLOOMINGTON, IL  – October 6, 2009 – Interstate Center, Inc. in Bloomington, Illinois, announces the signing of an agreement to sell part of its property to Birkey’s Farm Store, Inc., a full-line Case IH farm equipment and Case construction equipment dealer with corporate offices in Rantoul, Illinois.  The acquisition is expected to close on December 1, 2009, subject to normal contract approvals.

The Interstate Center was established in 1997 when the fairgrounds moved from Bloomington’s east side to its present location. A decrease in events from the slow economy and increased competition prompted the sale. The purchase will encompass the parking lot, main expo building, and some land to the east and north of the building. The Interstate Center is leasing back a large portion of the facility to host contracted events they currently have scheduled. “We needed a unique partner to complement the fairgrounds property, and Birkey’s will be a good neighbor,” said Mike Swartz, McLean County Fair and Interstate Center General Manager.

“This is a great opportunity for the company to expand our facility needs to meet the growing demand in the McLean County market for both agriculture and construction equipment.  Plans are to close our operations at the Hudson store on June 30, 2010, and open our new location on July 1^st,” said Birkey’s president and CEO Ron Birkey. “The central Illinois Bloomington location will be a great fit with our organization.” Also, the Hudson Grain Company has entered into an agreement to acquire Birkey’s Hudson, IL facility with possession taking place on July 1, 2010.

Founded in 1954, Birkey’s Farm Store represents Case IH and New Holland farm equipment lines, Case construction equipment, SkyTrak, Wacker, Jacobsen golf & turf products, as well as Ag shortline equipment manufacturers such as Kubota, Kinze, Salford, Unverferth, Brent, Bush Hog, Woods, eXmark, and Cub Cadet.  Led by president/CEO Ron Birkey, the ownership group includes Birkey, Mark Foster, Mike Hedge, Jeff Hedge, Mike Carley, Phil Fayhee, Jim Campbell, and Wayne Coffin. Each of the owners is an operating manager with direct-line roles in the business.

In addition to the Bloomington location, Birkey’s also serves the Illinois communities of Annawan, Galesburg, Macomb, Polo, Prophetstown, Gibson City, Hoopeston, Urbana, Mattoon, Oakland, and Williamsport, Indiana. The company also operates a Chrysler automotive dealership in Attica, Indiana, and has a Jacobsen golf & turf store in St. Louis, Missouri. Their administrative office is located in Rantoul, Illinois.

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