AZUSA, Calif. – Monrovia, the leading U.S. grower of premium garden plants, has acquired Connecticut-based Imperial Nurseries.
According to Monrovia CEO Miles Rosedale, “This is an important acquisition to serve our customers east of the Mississippi who will have better access to Monrovia’s Distinctively Better plants throughout the growing season. “Having growing facilities closer to our customers in the Northeast will enable them to refill orders on a more complete and timely basis.” Monrovia has growing operations in Visalia, Calif., and Dayton, Ore, and Cairo, Ga. The acquisition will boost total plant production by 15 percent.
“Imperial was the perfect candidate to combine with Monrovia, as they have a shared commitment to quality plants and customer service – it’s a great team,” he added. Joining Monrovia is Imperial’s Greg Schaan, named vice president of production for the East Coast, overseeing the Connecticut and Georgia nurseries. Imperial’s sales representatives will work in tandem with Monrovia’s sales team to ensure a continuity of service to their garden centers and landscape customers.
Rosedale added, “This change will strengthen the sales, production and distribution capabilities of the combined company.” He said that existing inventory on the ground will continue to be sold under the Imperial brand, but will change to the Monrovia brand as new canning takes place. Other branded lines sold by Imperial will be evaluated individually to see if they remain in the product mix.
This is the second major acquisition for the family-owned and operated Monrovia; the first being the purchase of Wight and Berryhill Nurseries in 2001. Prior to that, throughout its 88-year history, Monrovia’s growth was through expansion and consistent sales increases. “Our garden center and landscape contractor customers are as eager as we are about this acquisition and are looking forward to all the benefits,” Rosedale said.
Background on Monrovia:
Founded in 1926, Monrovia is the leading grower of premium ornamental and edible plants, with more than 3,600 varieties, including more than 214 exclusives. Monrovia works with the world’s best breeders to bring improved plants to the gardens of America and Canada. Its Distinctively Better® plants are nurtured by hand to produce healthy plants that flourish in the landscape. Monrovia’s five environmentally responsible nurseries are located in Visalia and Venice Hills, Calif., Dayton, Ore., Cairo, Ga., and Granby, Conn. Monrovia plants can be purchased in-store or online with delivery to independent garden centers, and through re-wholesalers nationwide. The company remains a family owned entity.
Source: Monrovia
