Vila & Son Seeks Buyer or Investor

According to published reports, Florida-based Vila & Son is seeking a buyer or investor. Vila, which ranked 14th on last year’s Lawn and Landscape Top 100 list, is heavily dependent on landscape construction and has been deeply affected by the downturn in construction in Florida. It had approximately $48 million in revenue in 2010. Vila & Son is based in Homestead, Florida and has eight branches across the state. The Company has had a “chief restructuring officer” since March. The Company recently filed notice with a state agency that it may lay off all of it’s 641 employees in August.

Yellowstone’s Austin Outdoor Acquires Acorn Landscaping in Port St. Lucie

BUNNELL, Fla. – On June 24, 2011, Austin Outdoor, a Yellowstone Landscape Group company, expanded its Florida presence through a merger with Acorn Landscaping, a commercial landscape maintenance company headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Fla. All members of the Acorn Landscaping team, including Founder Tom Krol, have joined Austin Outdoor, expanding resources and expertise for clients throughout the Southeast Florida region. Bill Dellecker, president of Austin Outdoor, said, “This partnership was a strategic fit. Acorn Landscaping has a similar focus as Austin Outdoor – to build lasting relationships with our clients, vendors, employees and community associations. We look forward to … Read more

Broccolo Tree Acquires Garden Center – Is This a Trend in the Making?

Broccolo Tree & Lawn Care, an industry leader located in Rochester, New York, has acquired a retail garden center, Country Way Garden Center. We think this is an interesting development. Of course, there is a clear overlap between landscape service providers and garden centers. Although many garden centers provide some landscaping services, few landscape service providers have taken the step of acquiring a retail garden center. Landscape service providers should pay attention to this development. In addition to diversifying a landscape business, a retail garden center can provide a strong referral and sales opportunity for landscape contractors. Imagie an attractive … Read more

Is it a buyers’ market or sellers’ market?

Over the past week or so, I have read two articles with intriguing headlines. One proclaimed “It’s a buyer’s market” while the other suggested that it’s a sellers’ market. The difference between those two headlines really struck me. The two articles were actually on seemingly completely different topics. The article proclaiming a buyer’s market was reporting on developments in the housing market while the other article was attempting to analyze the business for sale market. I do not claim to be an expert on the housing market. I do, however, closely follow the business for sale marketplace. My experience has … Read more

Brickman enters Los Angeles Market with Acquisition of Dworsky Companies

Combined company footprint puts Brickman in position to dominate Southern California market Los Angeles, CA – Brickman is pleased to announce the acquisition this week of Los Angeles-based Dworsky Companies, a market-leading commercial landscape services firm.  Brickman already has a strong presence in the San Diego market, as well as in 30 states across the country; this deal will give the company a foothold in one of the last major markets it has yet to serve. Dworsky Landscape Services was founded in 2002, by Dave Dworsky, a 20-year industry veteran.  Over the past several years, Dworsky has created an expansive … Read more