Family-run garden landscaping brand, Kelkay has been acquired by the same US firm that took over La Hacienda last July. It now forms part of The AMES Companies, Inc - the largest supplier of non-powered lawn and garden tools in US, Canada and Australasia.

Us public company, the Griffon Corporation turns over approximately $2billion a year. Its subsidiary, AMES, acquired La Hacienda in July 2017 and also operates a subsidiary in Co Cork (Ireland). The company has a portfolio of other well-known brands across USA, Canada and Australia with ranges including hand tools, wheelbarrows, irrigation equipment, as well as patio planters and other home and garden products.

Antony Harker, who has run the business with his partner Hayley for the past 15 years, will take on the new role of managing director for The AMES Companies UK Ltd. (“AMES UK”) and will have oversight of AMES’ Ireland business.

The rest of the Kelkay  board of directors, which includes Richard Pyrah, Jonathan Wilson and non-executive, Bob Hewitt, will all remain in their current roles to continue the successful development strategy for the UK business.

Mr Harker will be tasked with driving forward AMES’ expansion into UK gardening, which the US firm has identified as a strategic growth market. He said of the deal and his new role: “This is a very exciting time for Kelkay and it represents a major step forward for the business, the whole team and our customers. AMES has a major focus on developing their business in the UK. It is flattering that they have chosen to make Kelkay a key partner and investment opportunity to help them achieve their goals.”

He added: “AMES has made a long-term commitment to the UK market and they share our values in terms of employees, suppliers and customers. I’m really looking forward to working with them. They are very supportive of our focus on garden centres, retailers and grocers and keen to ensure our personality as a business is protected. So, whilst there will be new development opportunities, our customers should continue to expect the same high level of service.”