Blooming marvelous expansion safeguards jobs

Release date: 04/10/2011

Leicestershire-based Palmers Garden Centre has grown through the acquisition of a nearby competitor for an undisclosed sum, in a deal which paves the way for its ambitious expansion and safeguards 20 jobs.

The acquisition of Ullesthorpe Garden centre, now rebranded and renamed Palmers at Ullesthorpe, brings the site near Lutterworth, into the Palmers' group.

Palmer's managing director Caroline Palmer is among the fourth generation of the family to work on the business, which has deep roots in Leicestershire dating back to 1911. It was established by her great grandfather George Palmer and his wife Julia, who both grew and sold fruit, vegetables and flowers in and around Leicester. As a result of the couple's reputation for quality, they established Palmers' main site, off St John's in Enderby, formally creating Palmers Nurseries.

Caroline Palmer says: "The expansion marks our centenary and enables us to cultivate and develop our business. We will be maintaining our combination of first-class advice and quality, which has underpinned the company's growth and reputation for the past 100 years. We're delighted with the speed and the way in which Harvey Ingram quickly tied up this acquisition on our behalf."

The deal was led by Harvey Ingram corporate lawyers John Stobart and Jay Vaghani, along with colleagues Sean Moran, Laura Neighbour, Louise Whitehead and Tim Evans.

John Stobart says: "This is a superb and very timely acquisition for Palmers Garden Centre. The business is extremely well run, is very well known in the area and thanks to its exceptional pedigree, the acquisition of the Ullesthorpe site is a superb opportunity for the business to expand further in the region. We're looking forward to watching the company continue to grow and go from strength-to-strength."