The sale includes both the Inverurie and Turriff trading sites.

Mr Bathgate said: “We are delighted to have sold the business and assets of Balgownie and preserved employment for 15 skilled staff.

“Balgownie is a well-respected name and long-established brand that provides machinery to the agricultural, construction, and groundcare industries in the North of Scotland.”

MacGregor Industrial Supplies has confirmed it intends to reopen both Inverurie and Turriff branches on 29 April, trading from these premises as MacGregor Industrial Supplies Limited incorporating Balgownie.

The business will remain closed until then to allow for staff training and MIS systems to be implemented. Sales staff will be available by phone during this time and equipment requiring emergency repairs will be attended to where possible.

Managing director of MacGregor Industrial Supplies, John MacGregor, added: “This acquisition is in line with our mission to grow MacGregor Industrial Supplies Limited. Balgownie is a good fit for MIS as it shares the same values and core purpose.

“We believe the company and its customers will benefit from this acquisition as we continue to strengthen our product and service capability throughout Aberdeenshire and the MIS branch network.

“It is our goal to continue providing the highest level of customer service during this time and in the future.”

Balgownie’s managing director Mike Singer said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with MacGregor Industrial Supplies, and to be able to continue serving our loyal Balgownie customer base.

“This exciting new chapter sees us teaming up with a leader in the industrial supplies sector in the North of Scotland and opens up a large array of brands and products to further serve our customers.”