Ball Horticultural Company, an internationally renowned wholesale distributor of ornamental plants, and Ebbing Lohaus, a leading specialist in primula breeding and seed production, have announced a new strategic partnership. Effective immediately, the newly introduced products from Ebbing Lohaus, including the Primella and Elfi series, will be available exclusively through Ball. By 2005, Ball will be the sole distributor for the full range of Ebbing Lohaus primula in all worldwide markets except Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

This exciting new partnership will benefit not only the two companies, but also growers around the globe. Ball has extensive worldwide distribution capabilities with subsidiaries on six continents, which will allow growers to purchase the prestigious Ebbing Lohaus primula locally, a particular benefit to growers in Asia, Australia, South Africa, and other markets where Ebbing Lohaus previously had no distribution in place. This means that growers in many countries will have access to these leading products for the first time. Of course, European growers already familiar with Ebbing Lohaus primula will have the added benefit of being able to acquire them through a formalized distribution channel, along with the extensive product offerings available from the Ball distributors. Ball's reputation for outstanding customer service, coupled with Ebbing Lohaus' commitment to providing high-quality primula products, means growers can continue to expect only the best from these two organizations.