Garden Centre Group has bought 12-store counterpart Country Homes and Gardens for an undisclosed sum.

Country Homes and Gardens, founded by Garden Centre Group chief executive Nicholas Marshall, will bring the latter retailer’s store count to 131. Garden Centre Group already had a 29% stake in Country Homes and Gardens.

Marshall said: “Welcoming Country Homes and Gardens to the group is a natural step. Country Homes and Gardens is a well recognised and respected brand in the sector, and this further demonstrates our ambitious growth plans for the future.

“As with other brands in Garden Centre Group’s portfolio, Country Homes and Gardens will retain its well established brand.

“We have significant opportunity to grow Country Homes and Gardens as part of the wider business and are excited about this development. 

“The group was already extremely well positioned for further growth, and this further enhances the growth prospects.”

Garden Centre Group, which trades under brands such as Blooms of Bressingham and Wyevale itself is up for sale. The retailer appointed Rothschild asfinancial advisor in July this year.