Kelkay has announced it has been acquired by Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF), a US public company with approximately USD$2billion in annual revenue. Kelkay becomes part of The AMES Companies, Inc. (“AMES”), the largest supplier of non-powered lawn and garden tools in US, Canada and Australasia. 

Antony Harker and the Kelkay Board of Directors, which includes Richard Pyrah, Jonathan Wilson and non-executive, Bob Hewitt, will all remain in their current roles to continue the successful development strategy for the UK business.

In addition, Antony Harker will take on the new role of Managing Director for The AMES Companies UK Ltd. (“AMES UK”) and will have oversight of AMES’ Ireland business. He will drive forward AMES’ expansion into UK gardening, which AMES has identified as a strategic growth market.

Antony Harker, AMES UK Managing Director, said “This is a very exciting time for Kelkay and it represents a major step forward for the business, the whole team and our customers. AMES has a major focus on developing their business in the UK. It is flattering that they have chosen to make Kelkay a key partner and investment opportunity to help them achieve their goals.”

AMES acquired La Hacienda in July 2017 and also operates a subsidiary in Co Cork (Ireland). They have a portfolio of other well-known brands across USA, Canada and Australia with ranges including hand tools, wheelbarrows, irrigation equipment, as well as patio planters and other home and garden products.

Antony Harker continued, “AMES has made a long term commitment to the UK market and they share our values in terms of employees, suppliers and customers. I’m really looking forward to working with them. They are very supportive of our focus on garden centres, retailers and grocers and keen to ensure our personality as a business is protected. So, whilst there will be new development opportunities, our customers should continue to expect the same high level of service.

Anthony told GTN Xtra this evening: "Griffon really liked our distribution and market penetration.  We've been talking with them since March last year.  They understand our garden market is different to others and their business is run by a small group of very nice people who want to do it right.  They talk a lot of sense and we are now looking at rest of their gardening portfolio to see what other UK opportunities there may be. Strategically they see potential for growth in lawn and diy markets from the Ames brands that currently trade in the US and Australia."

Anthony, who started Kelkay15 years ago added: "It is really great that the Kelkay "family" will continue to run the business.  I'm looking forward to the next period of growth and development for Kelkay."