We are pleased to announce that the Hoffmann Family of Companies has acquired a majority interest in Smith Gardens, Inc. (or “the Company"). Coil Partners acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Smith Gardens for the transaction.
The announcement comes as Smith Gardens celebrates 125 years of operation in the Pacific Northwest. The Company continues to be led by fourth-generation family members Eric and Mark Smith; both leaders retain partial ownership and will remain in their current roles, ensuring continuity of leadership and culture.
Smith Gardens operates five major growing facilities across Washington, Oregon, and California, encompassing more than four million square feet of greenhouse space, over 100 acres of outdoor production. The Company produces annual and perennial ornamental plants and operates a full-service merchandising division. The partnership also includes Pacific Plug & Liner, Smith Gardens’ young plant propagation division based in Watsonville, Calif., known for its specialty perennials, innovative genetics, and trend-focused programs.
Advising the owners of Smith Gardens, Coil Partners was successful in managing a sell side M&A process that included positioning the Company’s value proposition to industry buyers, leading to structuring and negotiating the Company sale to Hoffmann.
According to Eric Smith, co-owner and CEO of Smith Gardens, “Navigating this next chapter as a fourth-generation family company required thoughtful advice and a deep understanding of our business model and family ownership dynamics. Paul Donnelly of Coil Partners played a key role in helping us navigate the M&A process leading to a transaction with a partner that aligns with our values and long-term vision.”
Hoffmann Family of Companies is a multi-vertical, family-owned private equity firm comprised of more than 125 global brands and over 22,000 employees across 30 countries and 400 locations. Its investment verticals include Agriculture, Aviation & Transportation, Financial & Professional Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Marine, Media & Marketing, and Real Estate.