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Chicago, IL – September 2009; City Capital Advisors, LLC, a middle market investment banking firm assisting clients all over the world, is pleased to announce the success of its client, Chicago-based Ball Horticultural Company, in completing the realignment of its European business operations. City Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Ball in a series of merger and acquisition transactions to accomplish the strategic re-positioning of the Company in Europe. Ball Horticultural Company has realigned its European business operations by merging its Continental European and UK businesses with Dutch-based Florensis, by selling its France-based subsidiary, Ball Ducrettet, to France-based Graines Voltz, and by acquiring Kieft Seeds. These transactions significantly change the European seed market. More specifically;
In Germany and The Netherlands, seed and young plant producer Florensis has taken over the offices and activities of Ball Holland and Ball Deutschland and merged them into the Florensis entities in these two countries. In exchange, Ball received a minority equity participation in the Florensis continental operation and the remaining 30% ownership of Kieft Seeds, a Dutch breeder, producer and marketer of specialty annual and perennial seed crops. Ball Horticultural had previously acquired a 70% share of Kieft Seeds through a separate transaction.
In the UK, Florensis has entered into a joint venture between Ball’s UK operations, Ball Colegrave, and Florensis UK. Both Ball Colegrave and Florensis UK will continue to operate under their own names and be managed locally.
In France, ornamental and vegetable seed and plant distribution company Graines Voltz, the exclusive distributor for Florensis, has acquired Ball’s French subsidiary, Ball Ducrettet.
About Ball Horticultural Company
Ball Horticultural Company is an internationally renowned breeder, producer and wholesale distributor of ornamental plants. A family-owned business since it was founded in 1905, Ball has worldwide production, sales and marketing through its many subsidiaries on six continents.
About City Capital Advisors
City Capital is a results-oriented investment and merchant banking advisory firm dedicated to delivering business owners optimal value for their companies. Client engagements are managed by experienced senior bankers who have built successful practices at renowned investment banks, but sought a highly focused environment from which to advise their clients in a highly responsive manner. Advisory capabilities include mergers and acquisitions, typically in the $30 million to $500 million value range, leveraged recapitalizations, private capital formation for growth/acquisition/ownership transition, financial restructurings and managing direct investments. Since becoming a FINRA registered broker-dealer in 2007, City Capital has successfully advised on transactions totaling in excess of $1 billion.