Wych Cross Nurseries was privately owned by three families and has a core retail floor space of 12,706 square feet, including restaurant space of 2,156 square feet.  GTN Xtra understands the price paid by Wyevale took into account the extra Sunday trading.  As this issue was published we were unable to get confirmation as to exactly when Sunday opening will take effect.

Established almost 30 years ago, Wych Cross Nurseries developed a reputation as a highly regarded plant centre with a real passion for roses. By the early 2000’s Wych Cross were offering one of the largest retail selections of roses in the UK with over 1,400 varieties. The nursery has now consolidated their collection to around 500 varieties which are available to customers both within the centre and online.

The news was broken by Wyevale Garden Centres and by Quinton Edwards who acted on behalf of Wych Cross.

Kevin Bradshaw, Chief Executive of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “Following the successful acquisition of Sidmouth Garden centre earlier this month, I am thrilled to welcome Wych Cross Nurseries to the Wyevale Garden Centres family. Of particular interest is their wonderful rose business which we look forward to preserving and nurturing.”

“This acquisition is a great example of Wyevale Garden Centre’s strategy in action. Following every acquisition, we work hard to retain the individual heritage of each garden centre.  Wych Cross Nurseries is widely loved by its loyal customers who visit for its breath-taking site in the heart of Ashdown Forest and for its remarkable plant offering. The centre is a welcome addition to our group as it supports our growth strategy and enables us to fulfil our goal of combining the very best of local and national offerings across our garden centres.”

GTN believes Wyevale are closing in on at least two other garden centre purchases, one later this month and another just prior to Christmas. If that proves to be the case Wyevale will have added six centres to their estate in 2015 after adding nine in 2014. 

Ray Kennedy of Wych Cross Nurseries said: “WGC’s success in bringing the latest retail initiatives to local garden centres whilst preserving their natural charm and their commitment to investing in people and infrastructure leaves us confident that the group will maintain our high calibre service. WGC’s determination to retain our unique and diverse selection of plants and roses provides us with the knowledge that this change is an exciting new chapter for Wych Cross. We are happy to know that our skilled and exceptional staff will be embraced into a company that values their contribution and expertise.”

Mr Kennedy also commented on the support given by Simon Quinton Smith of Quinton Edwards:  "The wide experience and industry knowledge that Simon brought to the valuation of our business and the subsequent negotiations with the Wyevale Garden Centre Group enabled shareholders to maximise their expectations whilst illustrating the potential still locked within the company. Selling any business is an emotional rollercoaster and Simon proved to be, both, a wise counsellor and a pragmatic deal-maker.”