Fermoy's Garden Centre looks set to become Blue Diamond's 15th centre, with the takeover process due to be completed by mid-October, according to property consultancy firm Gilbert Evans.
Diyweek.net reported last week on the speculation that Blue Diamond was looking to take over the independent south Devon garden centre. But current Fermoy's owners, Richard and Mike Ford, have now spoken of the news and said Blue Diamond is the "ideal operator" to step in and fulfil their company's long term objectives.

Richard Ford said: "Fermoy's has been a great success in terms of the synergy between customers, staff and suppliers. This is more than just a take-over, it is a strategic move to help take Fermoy's to yet another level. Blue Diamond Group approached us earlier in the summer; they like the business as it is now and can see the potential. That potential will require significant investment and Blue Diamond are well placed to deliver."

Richard and Mike Ford will continue to own the property and Blue Diamond will take a lease of Fermoy's, located near Newton Abbot, and look to try and develop the site together. An expansion plan has been in place for nearly three years; it will see a bigger garden centre built and would create 30 new jobs.

Blue Diamond's managing director, Alan Roper, said: "Fermoys is one of the best known garden centres in the south west. As a company Blue Diamond has a lot of experience in developing new garden centres. Our approach of concentrating on a garden centre's core horticultural values enables us to offer something different from other retailers. Blue Diamond garden centres are designed to ensure that plants remain at the heart of the business."

Mike Gilbert, of Gilbert Evans, brokered the partnership. "Leases are perfect for this type of scenario," he said. "Both parties want to work together to ensure the future success and viability of Fermoy's. Leases are becoming more popular within the garden centre industry."