Longtime Encinitas poinsettia grower Ecke Ranch announced its sale to the Agribio Group on Aug. 15.

The move follows the April announcement that the Ecke Ranch property was being sold to the The Leichtag Foundation, a Carlsbad-based philanthropic organization.

While the Ecke poinsettia business was primarily based in Encinitas starting in the 1920s, the company has spread much of its operations to other parts of the world over the past few decades.

“I have been looking for the right opportunity to elevate Ecke Ranch to a new level of excellence,” Paul Ecke III said in the Aug. 15 announcement. “Our combined companies will enhance the strong brand name, high standards for quality, reliability, and excellence in poinsettia as well as geranium breeding.  Our customers are changing rapidly – as a primary breeder and supplier our role is ever-expanding.  We need a strong partner to support our continuing innovation and provide our customers more options.  Agribio Group is the ideal fit to partner with as we look to the future.”

Harry Kloppenburg, CEO of Dutch-based Agribio Group, said in the announcement that the purchase of Ecke Ranch will help move his company into a prime position in the North American horticultural market.

“We are proud to support the Ecke brand name and prominence in the industry,” Kloppenburg said in the announcement.

The sale to Agribio is expected to close by mid-September.

“Our team remains committed to poinsettia breeding and our customers, Ecke Ranch President Andy Higgins said in the announcement. “Agribio Group will be a catalyst to further our efforts.”