Premier Equipment, a multi-store John Deere dealership serving southern Ontario, has come to an agreement to purchase the John Deere dealership business of Deerhaven Farm and Garden Ltd., effective July 31, 2025.
Deerhaven, has been in business since the spring of 1994, celebrating 30 years of serving customers in the Quinte region, spanning portions of Northumberland, Prince Edward County, Hastings, Lennox and Addington Counties.
“We have a unique and diverse customer base,” says Ken Morton, Owner and General Manager of Deerhaven. “We serve ag and livestock producers, but the area is also home to many rural, cottage and vacation properties as well. The business is a real mix of ag, compact construction, lawn and garden equipment.”
Since 2016, Premier has been the dealer of record with regards to John Deere Sprayers and Application Equipment for central and eastern portions of southern Ontario. The addition of a Belleville location provides Premier with the opportunity to have a physical presence in the area, expand operations overall, and invest further into supporting customers in the region.
“I’m excited for our staff and our customers,” says Morton, who has been a part of Deerhaven since it opened, became a shareholder in 2003 and sole owner in 2021. “We have a great team of loyal, and long-tenured staff. I’m very proud of them, how we serve customers and support the community. I’ve known the team at Premier for years, and appreciate their efforts and commitment to the industry, technology, and service capabilities and feel that will be a great benefit for our customers and team as well.”
Deerhaven also has a powersports business carrying Polaris off-road vehicles and snowmobiles, and Pricecraft boats, which Morton will retain and continue to do business as Deerhaven Powersports. Both businesses, Premier Equipment and Deerhaven Powersports, intend to remain and operate from the existing facilities, with potential to expand or move as needs arise in the future.
“We look forward to continuing and growing the John Deere service offering for customers in the area, building on the years of dedication of Ken and his team,” says Allan Dueck, President of Premier Equipment. “Having facilities in eastern Ontario provides new opportunities for Premier and our customers, that we are eager to grow.”
The Belleville location will bring Premier to a total of 11 locations, employing over 400 staff members. Premier intends to assume operations with existing staff and facilities on July 31, 2025 – subject to all necessary approvals and final due diligence.
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