In the Netherlands, Smit Kwekerijen, a tropical green houseplant nursery, will become part of Plant World (previously Van der Arend Tropical Plantcenter and JoGrow). After recently acquiring the Hoefnagels assortment, this is the next step to Plant World achieving its growth strategy.
Kees Pingen and Obed Smit have joined the Plant World board of directors. Both say this merger creates 'a powerful player striving to be a tropical potted plant market leader in Europe'.
The company now offers a comprehensive, unique product range. The merger allows for greater (product) development and sustainability investment and offers employees more future opportunities. The management team will be further expanded, with Kees as Plant World's managing director and Obed doing product development. Supported by Synergia Capital Partners, Plant World will keep shaping its growth strategy.
Hetty Smit, Obed Smit, Kees Pingen, John Grootscholten, and René van der Arend.
Obed and Kees, who founded and ran Smit Kwekerij, say, "There are plenty of opportunities and possibilities for even better cooperation between the companies under Plant World. We'll work on product development together to further expand and improve the assortment."
"The available production locations will be optimally utilized, and operational processes can be further professionalized. Everyone involved has much to learn a lot from each other. Innovation, quality, sustainability, motivated employees, and client cooperation remain vital."
René van der Arend and John Grootscholten, Plant World directors, add: "Merging Plant World and Smit is a substantial step toward realizing our growth ambitions. Smit has an excellent reputation and complementary range, some of which are protected by plant breeders' rights. The companies complement each other, as do the assortments."
"This acquisition lets us serve all market parties, from exclusive florists to retailers. Obed brings additional product range development know-how, and Kees has years of experience at various professional companies as managing director. That will help further professionalize Plant World and set the company on the right course," they conclude.
For more information:
Smit Kwekerijen
Website: www.smitkwekerijen.nl