HGC growing in garden centre market

HILLVIEW Garden Centres has acquired its first centre in the Midlands. Studley Garden Centre will serve as the firm’s regional headquarters.

HGC has a strategic investment plan to acquire, develop and operate a portfolio of garden centres across the Midlands. Barclays Corporate supported HGC with its acquisition of the Studley centre for an undisclosed sum.

HGC is backed by The Hillview Group, an independent merchant bank that finances management teams operating asset-backed businesses in the consumer, real estate, financial services and healthcare sectors.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, CEO of HGC said: “The acquisition of the Studley Garden Centre is the start of a long term plan to create a portfolio of garden centres across the Midlands.

“The five acre SGC site offers great potential and we already plan to invest £500,000 over the next 12 months to create new catering facilities, food outlet and gift shop providing local produce and showcasing local crafts. Our activities at SGC will continue to support the local community through the provision of jobs and services.”

Neil Barnes, Barclays Corporate relationship director, said: “Barclays is committed to using our industry expertise and specialists to support such propositions, which are vital to a prosperous economy.

“The acquisition in this competitive market demonstrates the confidence of both Barclays Corporate and HGC in the continued growth and success of the business.”