Ball Horticultural Co. announces today that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire 100% of the shares of David Colegrave Group. Both companies have been expanding their distribution and breeding activities over the recent years. It became evident that by joining together there would be more opportunities created than through individual courses of action.

David Colegrave founded Colegrave of West Adderbury, UK in 1962. The business grew rapidly and expanded distribution operations into France and Australia, and developed research and production capabilities in the U.S.A. and Holland. The drive to deliver quality products and innovative marketing programs was reflected in a rapidly growing business in the UK, France, Australia and California. His son, Jeff, expanded the company’s operations through joint ventures and acquisitions into Holland, Germany, France, Italy, China and, most recently, Portugal.

Ball Horticultural Company was established in 1905 by George J. Ball and is located in West Chicago, IL, U.S.A. Ball was founded on the principles of product innovation and outstanding customer service. Distribution of ornamental seeds and plants is conducted in North America through Ball Seed Co. and in Asia, Latin America, Europe and South Africa through joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries. Two of the divisions, PanAmerican Seed and Ball FloraPlant, are involved in research, breeding and production of seed and vegetative cuttings.

Anna Ball, CEO, Ball Horticultural Co., stated "We see this as a terrific opportunity to bring together the best of Ball and the best of Colegrave to benefit growers worldwide." The two companies are leaders in their home countries and were attracted to each other because of their complementary positions and service orientation. Jeff Colegrave, CEO of David Colegrave Group Ltd., stated "Ball and Colegrave share the same values of promoting industry leading quality products and delivering innovative marketing programs and high levels of customer service."

Jeff Colegrave will join the Board of Directors of Ball and serve as co-CEO of the combined European organization alongside Anne Leventry-Jeffers, president of PanAmerican Seed. The co-CEO role will insure the successful integration of the companies.