Alpharetta, Ga.-based John Deere Landscapes (JDL) agreed to purchase Eljay Irrigation, based in Calgary, Alberta. The companies plan for an immediate integration. Terms weren’t disclosed. 
The deal was a long time in the making, JDL President Dave Werning told Landscape Management.
“We’ve known the owners of Eljay for a long time,” he said. “They’re recognized as a high-quality, value-added supplier.”
JDL’s acquisition capabilities improved late last year, Werning said, when John Deere divested 60 percent of JDL to private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).
“CD&R is very very interested in growing John Deere Landscapes,” Werning said. “That acquisition set things in motion (with Eljay).”
This acquisition also was a good fit geographically because JDL lacked a strong presence in Western Canada. The industry can “absolutely” expect more acquisitions by JDL in 2014, he said, though he declined to name specific regions or prospects.
“This acquisition will give both companies’ existing customers a broader and deeper range of products and services, coupled with the comfort of working with staffs that are experienced and possess the expertise for such wide and diverse products,” said Werning. “Contractors are looking for more efficiency in their business and by streamlining the purchasing process, and we are responding. Our response will include more products, an expert staff for all product lines and a full range of non-product business solutions. It’s not just about products anymore. It’s about making the contractor’s business easier and more profitable.”
As an example of “non-product business solutions,” Werning offered the JDL Partners program. This program offers a discounted cell phone plan for JDL customers. Thousands of contractors have signed onto that benefit, he said.
JDL, a distributor of irrigation supplies, nursery stock, outdoor lighting, maintenance and landscape supplies, has 425 stores across North America. Eljay Irrigation has nine locations in Western Canada.
Updated: 4/16/14
