Crowders was established in 1798 and has been a significant employer in the Horncastle area for over two centuries.

Robert Crowder, the Company Chairman, said: “We would like to pay tribute to all the staff that have helped develop our Garden Centre and Restaurant into what it is today and we are confident that WGC will continue to build on the reputation for quality that the Centre enjoys.”

The acquisition by WGC represents only 25% of the Crowder family business. Crowders intend to develop their nationally important wholesale nursery division which supplies trees and plants to commercial developments, major infrastructure projects and landscape contractors throughout the UK.

In addition they will also continue to grow their successful online Garden Centre (www.crowders.co.uk) which supplies home and garden products to consumers throughout the UK.

Robert Crowder also said: “We will continue to be a major local employer and look forward to focussing our attention on our remaining business.”