The J.R. Simplot Company announced the acquisition of Turf Partners from Eco Soil Systems, Inc. (ESSI). The nation-wide distribution channel will immediately take the name Simplot Partners. It will function as a separate business unit within Simplot (Turf & Horticulture) along side the Professional Products (BEST^® and APEX^® fertilizer lines) and Jacklin Seed^® divisions.

Formerly the exclusive distribution arm for ESSI, Simplot Partners will continue to function as a full-service distributor supplying proprietary and traditional turf maintenance products from a variety of industry leading suppliers.

"We are extremely excited by Simplot’s energy and momentum," says Nick Spardy, Simplot Partners’ general manager. "In addition to our current suppliers of turf and horticulture products, we feel Simplot’s proprietary lines will compliment our mission to provide products and services that are second to none. This move will be beneficial to our customer base."

According to Simplot (Turf & Horticulture) President, Bill Whitacre, "Turf Partners has an excellent managerial and sales team. As a whole, I believe the golf industry appreciates the level of commitment Turf Partners brought. A change of name to Simplot Partners will only bring more value and financial support to clientele."

"Independent distribution will remain an important channel for Simplot products. All distribution will be treated as independent businesses." In addition, Whitacre made it clear that they will continue to focus energies in working with and supplying Jacklin Seed, former Medalist America^®, BEST and APEX products to their existing independent, regional distributors. "Our distributors are the reason we are successful. It will be our obligation to earn any distributor’s business — whether they are private, independent or owned."

For more information, please contact Simplot Partners, 10730 Thornmint Road, San Diego, CA 92127, U.S.A.; telephone: (800) 552-8873.