Preston florist snaps up southern rival

WHOLESALE florist Peter H Smith has acquired southern rival Van Flora for an undisclosed sum.

The deal reunites the two companies which were once both owned by Portsmouth-based Southern Glass House Produce.

Preston-based Peter H Smith broke away following a management buyout in 2008 and has now acquired Van Flora, which is also in Portsmouth, from Southern Glass.

The company, which employs 50 people, said the deal will allow it to broaden its geographical reach. Peter H Smith has annual sales of £9.5m while Van Flora’s turnover is around £2.5m.

Managing director Ann Rainford said: “It is a natural progression for a company of our size and reputation to look to expand and the fact that there are obvious synergies between the two businesses made it a sensible decision for us.”

Blackburn law firm Taylors Solicitors advised Peter H Smith on the acquisition.