Central Garden & Pet Acquires Burpee Company

The gardening brand Burpee joins the Central Garden & Pet portfolio following the closing of the deal on September 30, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Gardening

Two gardening trowels rest on a wooden bench beside terracotta pots and dark soil. — Central Garden & Pet Company officially completed its acquisition of the W. Atlee Burpee Company on September 30, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Central Garden & Pet Company officially completed its acquisition of the W. Atlee Burpee Company on September 30, 2026. The historic gardening brand will continue to operate as a separate entity while maintaining its Pennsylvania headquarters.

Why it matters

Central Garden & Pet aims to utilize its corporate scale and existing capabilities to foster long-term growth for the Burpee brand within the competitive garden market. This strategic move integrates a long-standing industry player into a broader consumer goods organization.

Founded in 1876, the W. Atlee Burpee Company possesses a legacy spanning 150 years. The transaction to acquire the firm was officially closed on September 30, 2026.

The players

Central Garden & Pet Company

This is a public company that operates a diverse portfolio of garden and pet supplies brands.

W. Atlee Burpee Company

This is a historic gardening entity that provides seeds, plants, and supplies to home gardeners.

Jamie Mattikow

He is the chief executive officer of the W. Atlee Burpee Company.

The details

Jamie Mattikow continues to lead the Burpee organization as CEO following the transition. Legal and financial advisory services for the deal were provided by Baker Botts, William Blair, and Stradley Ronon.

W. Atlee Burpee Company was founded in 1876.
The acquisition transaction closed on September 30, 2026.

Culture Shift

This move reflects a broader trend of corporate consolidation within the home gardening sector as companies look to scale their reach. It underscores how legacy brands are increasingly becoming part of larger, multi-category consumer goods organizations.

Home gardeners in Pennsylvania will see no immediate changes to their access to Burpee products, as the company remains an independent entity headquartered in the state. The acquisition focuses on back-end corporate growth rather than modifying current product availability for consumers.

The takeaway

Consumers can continue to rely on the brand for its traditional seed and plant varieties despite the change in corporate ownership. The brand's decision to maintain its existing management and headquarters suggests a commitment to preserving its long-standing operational model.

What happens next

Central Garden & Pet Company will provide additional details regarding the acquisition during its upcoming fiscal fourth quarter and year-end earnings call.