Norfolk chain Roys of Wroxham is adding another garden centre to its portfolio in an acquisition deal expected to go through today.
The business is taking over Highway Garden and Leisure in Framingham Pigot, near Norwich, which is one of the largest independent garden centres in Norfolk.

Highway was put up for sale at the end of last year because founder Joe High wants to retire, although he is expected to retain his home on the site. It is understood that several potential purchasers had put in bids for the business.

Roys, which has eight stores across Norfolk and Suffolk, sells across a wide range of product categories including DIY, housewares, electrical appliances, fashion, food and garden and leisure, and operates several garden centres.

Its new multi-million pound acquisition trades from an 18-acre site fronting the A146, and comprises a restaurant and coffee shop, gift shop and newly-extended aquatics, pet and bird-care department along with homewares and garden lines.

Joe High's horticultural career began in 1951, but it was not until 1991 that the Highway Garden and Leisure nursery and garden centre was set up. In 1999 he doubled the size of the retail area and later added an additional acre of glasshouse to meet the increasing demand for own-grown plants.

Autumn 2005 saw the biggest new building development with the opening of a new store and improved facilities, and 2007 saw the complete refurbishment of the restaurant and the development of a separate coffee shop.

There will be no interruption to business during the handover.