Hunter Wise Financial Group, LLC Advises El Modeno Gardens on Sale to Color Spot

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- El Modeno Gardens, Inc., with 4 growing grounds in California and nearly 400 employees, is ranked number 41 in the top 100 US Growers. Founded in 1958 by the Groot family, El Modeno is a leader in growing perennials, flowering shrubs, bedding plants and blooming potted plants. Effective October 31, 2009, El Modeno Gardens was acquired by number 1 ranked Color Spot Nurseries, Inc. El Modeno Gardens and Color Spot Nurseries are both wholesale growers whose products are sold through Lowes, Home Depot, Target, Wal-Mart and similar multi-location retailers.

Michael Vukelich, CEO of Color Spot, noted that "this strategic acquisition strengthens Color Spot's market share, particularly in perennials and Western US markets. It also gives Color Spot access to the proprietary Garden by Design marketing program developed for El Modeno Gardens." Robert Groot, President of El Modeno Gardens, said that "in a time when the wholesale/commercial nursery industry is consolidating, there is no stronger company than Color Spot to carry on El Modeno's traditions of high quality plants and creative marketing."

Bill Peck, Managing Director for Hunter Wise Financial Group, LLC, advised El Modeno Gardens through the challenging negotiations and successful closing. Hunter Wise Financial Group, LLC, with 12 US offices and 3 international offices, is an investment banking firm focused on the middle market where financial transactions are typically in the $10 million to $200 million range. For additional information on Hunter Wise Financial Group, LLC, please visit our website at www.hunterwise.com. Mr. Peck can be reached at bpeck@hunterwise.com and (949) 732-4105.

CONTACT:

Bill Peck
Hunter Wise Financial Group, LLC
(949) 732-4105
bpeck@hunterwise.com