Don’t Forget to Consider Seller Financing

As baby boomers begin to hit retirement age, many who are business owners are ready to sell.  It’s created a market that has many businesses for sale.   At the same time, concerns about the economy had made it tough to get financing for many potential deals. Seller financing is one option that could be the solution to get many deals done.   Seller financing involves a seller helping to finance the sale of the business by taking back a second note on the business.  It differs from a traditional Small Business Administration (SBA) loan because the seller essentially extends credit to … Read more

Terminix acquires Southern California Operations of Moxie Pest Control

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Terminix is expanding its western footprint with the acquisition of Moxie Pest Control’s Southern California operations. Moxie’s operations in Southern California post more than $10 million in annual revenues and service more than 20,000 customers. “Continuing to expand our presence in the western United States is extremely important to us, and we’re very pleased to be bringing one of the most reputable organizations in the area on board with us,” said Tom Brackett, Terminix president and chief operating officer. “The West Coast has been a major growth area for us in recent years, and it will continue to … Read more

Syngenta acquires US flower seeds producer Goldsmith Seeds

Basel, Switzerland, October 21, 2008 – Syngenta has signed an agreement to acquire Goldsmith Seeds, Inc., an industry leading breeder and producer of flower seeds, for an amount of $74 million, on a cash and debt-free basis. Goldsmith breeds, produces and sells a broad range of pot and bedding products, including major crops such as cyclamen, impatiens and petunia. “This acquisition is a perfect strategic fit with Syngenta Flowers and it significantly increases our proprietary flower seed portfolio”, says Robert Berendes, Head of Business Development at Syngenta. “The Goldsmith family has built up a world-class breeding company with an outstanding … Read more

Bailey Nurseries Consolidating Operations in Iowa

Charles City, IA. (October, 2008) – Since 1884, Sherman Nursery of Charles City, IA has been a long-time grower and leader in the United States’ horticultural industry, and since 1984, has been owned by Bailey Nurseries of Newport, MN, operating independently as a wholesale supplier of fine nursery stock. With much thought and research, ownership of Bailey Nurseries has decided to consolidate various aspects of Sherman’s operations into Bailey Nurseries. Details to work through are numerous, and this change will progress through June of 2009. Production operations will remain in Charles City, IA, and will be named Bailey Nurseries, Sherman … Read more

The Groundskeeper joins forces with Greater Texas Landscape

On August 8, 2008, The Groundskeeper finalized the purchase of Greater Texas Landscapes of Austin, Texas. Greater Texas Landscape, founded in 1981 by Deborah E. Cole, joined The Groundskeeper team under the ESOP employee-owned program.“Greater Texas Landscape is regarded as an industry leader in their markets and have great employees with a wonderful corporate culture,” says The Groundskeeper CEO Anil Hiremath. “We are thrilled to welcome them as a part of our employee-owned family.” GTL provides commercial landscape management and irrigation services as well as high-end installation throughout central Texas.  With two offices in Austin and one in San Antonio, … Read more