In the United Kingdom, Fast expanding Nurture Landscapes has secured its fifth acquisition in 12 months with the purchase of the landscape maintenance operations of Bedfordshire-based Frosts Group. The acquisition increases Nurture’s turnover to £35 million and staff numbers to more than 500.
Frosts landscape maintenance business has annual sales approaching £4m and includes the provision of office plant displays and Christmas trees. The 70 plus staff and contracts will transfer to Nurture on 1stAugust along with Frosts Divisional Director Darrell Hedden.
Major clients transferring include Milton Park and Abingdon Business Park both near Abingdon, ISIS Reach in Kent, Upton Way residential development in Northampton, The Building Research Establishment in Watford and Bedfordshire University.
Most contracts will be managed out of a new office/depot near Frosts base at Woburn Sands under Nurture Midlands Director Gordon Whyte. Others will be serviced from one of Nurture’s local regional offices across the country.
Managing Director of Nurture, Peter Fane, commented: “The acquisition offers great synergy with our business and we anticipate a seamless integration. In Oxfordshire, for instance, we already work at Bicester Village and Oxford Business Park, so Milton Park and Abingdon Business Park fit right into the centre. I am delighted to welcome all the Frost employees to the Nurture family.”
James Frost, the third generation of his family to manage Frosts Group added: “Nurture is the perfect home for the landscape maintenance business and I have no doubt that the staff and clients are in excellent hands. This move allows us to focus on our core construction and garden centre operations where we will continue to build on our 80 year reputation.”