Solus says it is making good progress in its talks with potential new business partners, both trade and financial investors, which contacted the company during and immediately after the breakdown of negotiations with Scotts UK.
Mark Pearson, chief executive officer of the garden products wholesaler, says the level of interest has been high, reflecting the value placed on the unique position that Solus occupies in the UK gardening market, and the potential for development opportunities internationally.

Solus hired business advisory firm Grant Thornton to help it secure a future direction for the company after the announcement that Solus' acquisition by Scotts would not now be going ahead.

Solus is now meeting with the interested parties, a process which will continue over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the company says sales of its own brands and service levels are performing well in the crucial Easter trading period, as are orders for third party products that continue to be sold by Solus.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to customers and suppliers who are working with us and have made public and private statements of support for the company," said Mr Pearson.

"I'd especially like to thank our loyal Solus staff who are working hard to ensure our customers receive the high level of support they deserve at this time."

Solus is the largest distribution company for garden products in the UK, supplying to 95% of garden centres as well as to large multiples including B&Q, Tesco, Homebase, Wilkinson and online retailers. Its own brands include Yeoman Tools - the market leader in garden tools, Joseph Bentley Heritage Tools, Botanico, ChapelWood, Bermuda and Garden Nation.