The Garden Centre Group has confirmed it has completed its acquisition of Country Homes and Gardens.

The 12-strong chain will now operate under the group's umbrella of brands, which includes Wyevale, Blooms and Country Gardens, taking the group's portfolio to 131 centres.

Country Homes and Gardens was established by Nicholas Marshall in 2001 following Wyevale's acquisition of his company Country Gardens in 2000.

Mr Marshall, who became ceo of the Garden Centre Group in 2008, said: "The Garden Centre Group is already the largest garden centre company in the industry by far, and welcoming Country Homes and Gardens to the group is a natural step. Country Homes and Gardens is a well-recognised and respected brand in the sector, and this further demonstrates our ambitious growth plans for the future.

"As with other brands in The Garden Centre Group's portfolio, Country Homes and Gardens will retain its well established brand and we look forward to welcoming its team to the group. We have significant opportunity to grow Country Homes and Gardens as part of the wider business and are excited about this development. The group was already extremely well positioned for further growth, and this further enhances the group's growth prospects."

The Garden Centre Group appointed Rothschild as financial advisor in July 2011 after a strong financial performance in H1, amid rumours it is set to be put up for sale by majority shareholders Lloyds Banking Group.