Ball to Acquire Conard-Pyle
Ball Horticultural Company announced it is purchasing Conard-Pyle, with the sale scheduled to close by the end of September 2015. The acquisition includes Conard-Pyles in-house breeding division NovaFlora and its intellectual properties; and distribution, production and administration of facilities of its wholesale division. “Conard-Pyles leading genetics, long-standing relationships and nationwide network of customers have made it a valuable brand in the marketplace,” says Cees Boonman, Ball Horticultural Company. “The company is a true pioneer in the industry and we are thrilled to add them to Balls portfolio of top-quality breeding and distribution companies.” “Over its history, Conard-Pyle has introduced some of the most popular lines of roses ever brought to market. Now combined with Balls strong reputation of research and development, distribution and marketing, we are confident the next several years will be exciting for the company,” says Steven Hutton, current president and CEO of Conard-Pyle and third-generation Hutton family member at the company. Ball intends for Conard-Pyle to operate as a division of Ball, retaining Conard-Pyles staff, name and facilities. The company also plans to integrate its Ball Ornamentals divisions strength in woody ornamentals and sales into Conard-Pyle in the coming year. For more information, visit www.ballhort.com.