Apr 2, 2010

Hines Nurseries Acquires Bordier’s NurserySource: Garden Media Group

Many companies continue to downsize and tighten their belts, but Hines Nursery, LLC continues to fast-track growing operations with the recent acquisition of California based Bordier’s Nursery.

Hines Nurseries now manages the growing and sale of the assets that include all inventory and equipment from Bordier’s Nursery.

“Virtually the entire inventory consists of premium shrubs, vines, tropicals and topiary material grown for the western states and Texas markets,” said Steve Thigpen, president and CEO of Hines Nurseries. “This positions Hines as the largest nursery grower in the Western U.S. serving the big box retailers.”

Operations at Bordier’s 120-acre Irvine property and 380-acre Moorpack facility will merge into the company’s 200-acre Somis facility, which will allows Hines to improve growing operations in southern California, according to Thigpen.

“We can quickly supply our Western customers and service former Bordier’s markets.”

Along with the acquisition of assets and inventory, Hines has retained many of Bordier’s key employees, including Sandra Runyon, VP of human resources; Mark Berchiolli, regional sales manager; Bruce Lane, director of process improvement; and George Gutman, nursery services manager.

In August 2008, Hines Horticulture — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Its assets were sold to Black Diamond Capital Management in early 2009. Hines Nurseries LLC purchased certain of the assets of the former Hines entities, and the successfully emerged from bankruptcy with less debt. Hines Nurseries recently hired three top executives and continues its growth with this acquisition.

“We’re very pleased and fortunate to welcome many talented people from Bordier’s Nursery into the Hines family,” Thigpen said. “This acquisition is a positive step in building and strengthening our brand.”

For more information, visit www.hineshorticulture.com.