As part of an ongoing initiative to increase retail presence for the Massey Ferguson brand, AGCO announces that Rural King stores headquartered in Mattoon, Illinois, will sell and service Massey Ferguson lawn and garden equipment and branded merchandise in their network of stores throughout Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Under this partnership, Rural King will offer Massey Ferguson branded lawn tractors and zero turn mowers as well as collectable toys and branded apparel at 44 retail locations in their trade territory. The new lawn and garden products will be manufactured and sold by Briggs & Stratton under a licensing agreement with AGCO.

"We are committed to increasing the footprint of the Massey Ferguson brand by expanding our retail presence through partners that effectively target rural consumers. Having our products in Rural King stores will enhance exposure for our brand with this audience," said Phil Jones, manager, brand marketing for AGCO. "Rural King has a strong reputation for representing quality products and takes pride in delivering excellent customer service for the past 50 years. And, Massey Ferguson has been delivering quality products for more than 160 years. It was a logical choice for our two companies to work together."

Rural King is a privately held retailer that markets merchandise such as hardware, tools, house wares, automotive, farm supplies, livestock and pet supplies, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment and apparel to rural consumers. Now these consumers will have the convenience of quality Massey Ferguson tractors at their local Rural King location, along with parts and service support to help them get the most out of the equipment on their property.

"We are excited to be carrying Massey Ferguson products in our stores," said Josh Gordon, purchasing manager, with Rural King. "Rural King customers demand top quality mowers and lawn and garden equipment. The Massey Ferguson brand has been synonymous with reliable and dependable machines for decades. We're looking forward to bringing these tractors to our customers."

The agreement between the companies goes into effect immediately. For more information about Massey Ferguson tractors, contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer or visit www.masseyferguson.com.