The Mills family has confirmed that it’s selling Fleet Farm, the Brainerd-based, rural-focused chain.
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The company has 18 stores in Wisconsin, including additional locations in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Wausau, Stevens Point and Marshfield.
Stewart Mills III is quoted saying the company needs to grow faster to remain competitive, and that it couldn’t achieve the growth it wanted with its own money alone.
Employees learned of the news last Friday in company meetings.
Mills, who ran unsuccessfully for Minnesota’s Eighth District congressional seat against incumbent Rep. Rick Nolan previous year, told the Dispatch that the sale was not precipitated by his interest in politics.
The Forum News Service says the family hired a consultant to look at operations and decided that in order to open more stores, it has to sell.
The chain is known for its giant store size, huge variation of merchandise – from obscure vehicle parts to barn fans to children’s toys – and ubiquitous “we love it” commercial jingle. He said the buyer must be a good fit for the organization and take good care of the employees. “This is what is right for our employees”.
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Mills said he will no longer be involved in the company as the transaction is completed, probably sometime next year.
