Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) announced today that it has acquired Sidmouth Garden Centre, describing it as "an ideal acquisition".
The centre, in Stowford, Devon, is currently privately owned by Ian Barlow. WGC says the business, with an internal floor space of 14,600sq ft including an award-winning restaurant of almost 3,000sq ft, offers attractive positioning in Devon and benefits from a strong customer base.

"Sidmouth's aim to provide an enhanced shopping experience sits well within Wyevale Garden Centres," it said in a statement.

The garden centre will complement WGC's existing offer in the region and bring the size of the WGC estate to 150 centres.

WGC chief executive Kevin Bradshaw said: "The garden centre has a wonderful reputation for its commitment to exceptional customer service and provides an exceptional variety of plants alongside garden and gift products to its growing customer base.

"The award-winning garden centre is widely loved by its loyal customers and we are happy to welcome the centre's knowledgeable staff to our group."

He added: "Sidmouth is an ideal acquisition as it supports our strategy to grow our business by acquiring exceptionally high-quality garden centres."

Owner Ian Barlow added: "Wyevale Garden Centres shares our vision of providing fantastic customer service and a well-rounded product offering to our customers. WGC's ethos and values reflect our own and we believe that Sidmouth Garden Centre will continue to provide exceptional services and products to our loyal customers.

"We are confident that the group will maintain and enhance our award-winning offer and benefit from the knowledge and skills of our valued staff."