Palmers, the Enderby Garden Centre business has bought a rival firm and plans to redevelop the new site.

Palmers has acquired Ullesthorpe Garden and Aquatic Centre, near Lutterworth, for an undisclosed figure.

Caroline Palmer, managing director of Palmers, told local media that the company would be renamed ‘Palmers at Ullesthorpe’.

“the motivation was future proofing the Palmers Brand, and our management team wanting a challenge!

“the expansion is a very fitting way to mark our centenary this year. We will be maintaining our combination of first class advice and quality, which has underpinned the company’s growth and reputation for the past 100 years.”

Together with the existing workforce of 20, the takeover increases the 100-year-old company’s total workforce to around 70.

The Ullesthorpe site has about 15 acres and recently received planning approval for substantial development.