Ball to acquire Conard-Pyle

 

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Ball Horticultural Company today announced the purchase of Conard-Pyle, a century-old plant development company, which brought the Knock Out family of roses to market. Conard-Pyle specializes in the genetics and sales of proprietary roses, perennials and woody plants, and is headquartered in West Grove, Pa.

 

Among the acquired assets of the sale are Conard-Pyle’s in-house breeding division NovaFlora and its intellectual properties, which have strengthened the Star Roses and Plants brand over the years, as well as the distribution, production and administration facilities of its wholesale division.

 

Ball intends for Conard-Pyle to operate as a division of Ball, retaining Conard-Pyle’s staff, name and facilities. Ball plans to integrate its Ball Ornamentals division’s strength in woody ornamentals and sales into Conard-Pyle in the coming year. The sale is scheduled to close by the end of September 2015.

 

“Conard-Pyle’s leading genetics, long-standing relationships and nationwide network of customers have made it a valuable brand in the marketplace,” said Cees Boonman on behalf of Ball Horticultural Company. “The company is a true pioneer in the industry and we are thrilled to add them to Ball’s portfolio of top-quality breeding and distribution companies.”

 

“Over its history, Conard-Pyle has introduced some of the most popular lines of roses ever brought to market. Now combined with Ball’s strong reputation of research and development, distribution and marketing, we are confident the next several years will be exciting for the company,” said Steven Hutton, current president and CEO of Conard-Pyle, and third-generation Hutton family member at the company.

 

For additional information, please visit www.ballhort.com.