Still in the period of due diligence, no details of the deal can be released, but supplier Scotts Miracle-Gro confirmed that it is in negotiations to acquire garden wholesale business Solus Garden & Leisure and is pleased with the progress to date.
As part of the negotiations, neither firm can comment until the period of due diligence has been completed. This could take between four to six weeks.

However, Scotts has confirmed it is in negotiations to acquire Solus, adding that it is, "delighted to be working on a plan to bring the two businesses together" and that both parties are pleased with the progress of discussions.

Scotts Company (UK) vice president and general manager Martin Breddy said: "This union would create a fantastic opportunity to combine Scotts' innovation, advertising and marketing with Solus' service levels and complementary core gardening products."

The company added that one of the chief goals of the proposed deal, "is to ensure seamless supply in the coming months and make the 2014 season a success for the trade" - particularly as Solus will now have the benefit of Scotts' extensive distribution and transport network.