Simplot acquires two Hawaiian businesses

Benton Alexander Smith//February 7, 2017//

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The J.R. Simplot Co. has acquired three stores in Hawaii as part of its turf and horticulture business.

Simplot announced the acquisition of Hawaii Grower Products and Pacific Agricultural Sales and Services Feb. 2 .

Both stores previously sold Simplot fertilizers, but are family owned operations that approached Simplot about being acquired, said Josh Jordan, communications manager at Simplot.

“We saw opportunity there,” Jordan said. “They were family run businesses looking for a potential buyer so we talked with them and determined it was a good fit for us.

“We have other Simplot partner stores, but they are primarily on the West Coast,” he said. “This allows us to expand further.”

The year-round growing season in Hawaii made the acquisition attractive, Jordan said.

Simplot recently increased production of one of its turf fertilizers in order to bring it into new markets and it could do well in Hawaii’s climate, the company said in a statement.

The staff of both stores will stay on with Simplot.

Jordan would not state the value of either acquisition.