By Matthew Legg

Last updated 14:19, Monday, 06 October 2008

The world’s largest lawn and garden company has snapped up a Gretna compost company.

Scotts Miracle-Gro, the New York Stock Exchange-listed (NYSE) horticulture outfit, has bought Humax for an undisclosed sum.

Humax produces growing media and specialist composts for professional growers and amateur gardeners.

Scotts Miracle-Gro said it would now begin reviewing Humax’s range of products before deciding what to incorporate into its business.

The company added: “In due course the company expects to fully integrate the Scotts and Humax brands and operations.

“In the meantime, it is business as usual for both Scotts and Humax customers with the existing range of products and terms.”

Martin Breddy, general manager of Scotts Miracle-Gro in the UK, said: “The acquisition provides us with further high quality raw materials. It also means we now have a network of four production sites in mainland Britain which will further improve our customer service and flexibility.”

Steve Squires, head of Scotts UK and Ireland professional business group, said: “This is a natural step in the expansion of our customer base and production capability. We look forward to working with Humax customers to identify benefits that will come from combining skills and assets of both businesses.”

Scotts is described by the NYSE as “the world’s largest marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products”.

The firm was founded in Maryville, Ohio, in 1868 and trades across North America, Europe and Asia, employing more than 6,000 people.

It claims sales of than $2.9bn worldwide.

Humax is one of the oldest compost companies in the UK.