Aquisition leads to largest plant business in UK
Earlier this month the management of Landgard UK has finalised a management buy-out of the business from German parent company Landgard. The company which was rebranded as Verde Horticulture has now been acquired by the Butters Group to create a new £70 million plant, bulb and flower business.
Andy Coaten, managing director at Butters, says the deal will create the "largest plant business in the UK market".
Verde Horticulture will continue to trade independently, but will utilise Butters' expertise in IT and sourcing to "substantially grow the business within the UK market".
Commercial director of Verde Horticulture Jim Floor will keep his position. He says: "This tie in with Butters will enable Verde to offer a wider range of products and services to its customers and in particular we see opportunities in bulbs and houseplants which will ensure the business has a less seasonal focus."
Customers of Verde Horticulture include supermarkets, DIYs, high street retailers and garden centre chains.
Sources: HortiBiz and Horticulture Week and Fresh Produce Journal