Monrovia issued a press release today announcing the acquisition of Imperial Nurseries, located in the Northeast. The purchase gives Monrovia a wholesale growing presence in all four quadrants of the country.

The privately-held company is based in Visalia, Calif., and also has growing facilities in Oregon (Pacific Northwest) and Georgia (Southeast). Here is the press release in full:

Monrovia, the leading U.S. grower of premium garden plants, has acquired Connecticut-based Imperial Nurseries.

According to Monrovia CEO Miles Rosedale, “This is an important acquisition to serve our customers east of the Mississippi who will have better access to Monrovia’s Distinctively Better plants throughout the growing season. “Having growing facilities closer to our customers in the Northeast will enable them to refill orders on a more complete and timely basis.” Monrovia has growing operations in Visalia, Calif., and Dayton, Ore, and Cairo, Ga. The acquisition will boost total plant production by 15 percent.

“Imperial was the perfect candidate to combine with Monrovia, as they have a shared commitment to quality plants and customer service – it’s a great team,” he added. Joining Monrovia is Imperial’s Greg Schaan, named vice president of production for the East Coast, overseeing the Connecticut and Georgia nurseries. Imperial’s sales representatives will work in tandem with Monrovia’s sales team to ensure a continuity of service to their garden centers and landscape customers.

Rosedale added, “This change will strengthen the sales, production and distribution capabilities of the combined company.” He said that existing inventory on the ground will continue to be sold under the Imperial brand, but will change to the Monrovia brand as new canning takes place. Other branded lines sold by Imperial will be evaluated individually to see if they remain in the product mix.

This is the second major acquisition for the family-owned and operated Monrovia; the first being the purchase of Wight and Berryhill Nurseries in 2001. Prior to that, throughout its 88-year history, Monrovia’s growth was through expansion and consistent sales increases. “Our garden center and landscape contractor customers are as eager as we are about this acquisition and are looking forward to all the benefits,” Rosedale said.