Wilco, an agricultural supply cooperative, has purchased the former Round Butte Seed Co. retail stores in Bend and Prineville, according to a news release.

Based in Mt. Angel, Wilco has been a member-owned cooperative since 1936 and today operates in 22 locations in Oregon and Washington. The purchase of the Bend and Prineville stores marks the co-op’s entry into the Central Oregon market.

Wilco bought the two stores from Tennessee-based Helena Chemical Co., which bought Round Butte Seed Co. in December. Helena Chemical will continue offering ag supply and marketing services in Bend and Prineville, although its operations will be separate, according to the news release.

Both stores will get new merchandise, and plans call for the Bend store to expand when the company finds the right location, the news release stated.