Leading commercial law firm Thrings has advised hedging plants specialists and long-term client Hedges Direct on its acquisition of fellow South West-based online retailer, Impact Plants.
Part of the Euxton Group, Hedges Direct has more than 10 years’ experience of growing and supplying hedging plants, topiary, turf and other garden merchandise.
The acquisition of Impact Plants – which has distributed large trees, hedging, living screens, pleached trees, topiary and instant hedging since 1988 – will enable Hedges Direct to extend its expertise and product offering in the fast-growing garden landscape sector.
Under the terms of the transaction, John Ingham, founder of Impact Plants, will join Hedges Direct as a consultant.
The acquisition was led by company commercial partner Alex Pyatt and solicitor Sarah Ellis of Thrings, who provided legal advice to Hedges Direct owners June and David Pearce.
June Pearce said: “This merger is an ideal strategic fit for Hedges Direct and Impact Plants, with the coming together of two successful organisations enabling customers of both businesses to enjoy a greater range of quality plant products and services.
“Impact Plants’ hedges, plants and screens continue to be enjoyed by landscapers, house builders and home owners throughout the UK and Europe. We are tremendously excited to be working with John to realise Hedges Direct’s ambitious growth plans in the landscape market and to further strengthening our reputation in the competitive homes and gardens industry.”
Completion of the Impact Plants deal is the second acquisition handled by Thrings on behalf of the Euxton Group, with the firm advising on the purchase of family-run wholesale and retail tree nursery business, Ornamental Tree Nurseries Ltd, in 2012.
Alex Pyatt added: “Hedges Direct’s focus on providing customers with quality products and services has led to it being regarded as one of the UK’s leading online hedging plants retailers. Working closely with June and David, we were able to gain greater insight into the business and understand its strategic and commercial objectives.
“Thrings prides itself on forging close and lasting relationships with its clients, and we are very pleased to have advised Hedges Direct, a long-term client of the firm, on its latest acquisition.”
