BUSINESS: Blue Seal buys Achille Agway chain

The Peterborough-based Achille Agway farm, home and garden chain has been acquired by Blue Seal, formerly known as Blue Seal Feeds.

The Achille Agway chain includes four stores in the Monadnock region -- Peterborough, Walpole, Milford and Keene -- as well as locations in Hillsborough and Brattleboro, Vt. Achille Agway has long carried Blue Seal products. A potential sale to Runnings Stores fell through in March. 

Peterborough’s store is known locally for its garden center, live plants, farm products, including live chicks in the spring; pet care section; and bulk gardening and landscaping materials. 

George Achille Jr., said the Achille family was very happy about the sale and proud that Blue Seal would be carrying on the long tradition of the Achille Agway stores. The first Achille Agway store was founded in Peterborough by George Achille in 1965. Originally a poultry farmer, the elder Achille started out supplying and delivering poultry feed to local farmers, eventually expanding into the retail store at the present location on Route 202. George Achille Jr. took over and expanded the Peterborough location in 1977.  In 2004, the younger Achille was running the chain of six regional stores. 

“Achille Agway and Blue Seal share similar core values, which drew us to this company in addition to the growth potential we see with respect to the shopping experience we both provide,” stated Mike Gauss, president of Blue Seal Feeds. “It’s an honor for George Achille to entrust us, and we’re excited for the future.”

Blue Seal is a New England-based farm and garden chain founded in Lawrence, Mass., in 1886. Blue Seal focuses on agriculture and livestock, with a focus on animal nutrition.