DIYWEEK.net

Family-run business, Hillier Nurseries Ltd has secured the purchase of John Browns Garden Centre just months after buying four Wyevale centres in a separate deal. Meanwhile, Wyevale has also announced the closure of another of its sites: Thatcham Garden Centre in Berkshire.

Under the terms of the latest deal, John Browns will continue to be run as a garden centre and the sale is expected to complete by the end of September.

News of the purchase follows a transaction in April, which saw Hillier take on Wyevale’s Cheddar, Dorking, Marlow, and Lechlade garden centres.

Hillier retail and wholesale director Chris Francis said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of John Browns Garden Centre, joining the Hillier family business, growing the group to 17 garden centres serving customers across the South of England. The Hillier team looks forward to working with our new colleagues and getting to know the local gardening community.”

Anthony Jones, COO of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “I am very pleased that John Browns will continue to be operated as a garden centre, and by an operator that we now know well, thanks to having sold centres to Hillier over the last year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our colleagues for their hard work and passion over the years, and wish them all the best for the future under new ownership.”

Wyevale Garden Centres has also announced the closure of a leasehold centre, Thatcham Garden Centre. The freehold and leasehold interest have been acquired by the current landlord, who has asked for vacant possession and the centre is, therefore, set to close by the end of September.  

Mr Anthony Jones said of the news: “We strive for a positive outcome with all our centres and so I am disappointed to announce that Thatcham Garden Centre will close by the end of September - we have informed our colleagues and would like to wish them all the very best for the future.”