BFG Supply Co. faces Chapter 11, cancels events. While not yet officially announced, several growers and suppliers have confirmed the news about the Michigan-based distributor. Published August 17, 2026 | Updated August 18, 2026 BFG Supply is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the coming weeks, according to sources in a report from Octus.com, a platform that delivers credit and finance news. The company is expected to conduct a sales process in court with proceeds used to pay creditors, including lender Ares Management, the report said. The horticultural supplier, which is owned by private equity firm Pamplona Capital Management, is working with Reflect Advisors, a financial firm that specializes in restructuring distressed businesses. Exhibitors at BFG's 2026 Marketplace Expo East and West have received email notification that those events have been cancelled. The email states: "As BFG continues working towards resolutions to our current challenges in conjunction with our restructuring partners at Reflect Advisors, we have reached the difficult decision to cancel our 2026 Marketplace Expo East and West. If you were planning on attending either event, we recommend cancelling your travel plans as soon as possible. We are notifying you now specifically so that you have the best chance of recovering costs while cancellation windows are still open. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause." There are currently no details on if or when any refunds will be issued for payments made to BFG for these events. The company has no current events listed on its website. In the event of a Chapter 11 filing, exhibitors and attendees who paid for event tickets would be behind secured creditors, such as the company's lenders, in line for any payments from an asset sale or liquidation. Several BFG Supply Co. employees revealed to customers and partners in the last week of July 2026 that the company was closing. BFG, which is owned by private equity firm Pamplona Capital Management, served as one of the largest independent wholesale horticulture suppliers, with 15 locations and more than 1.5 million square feet of warehouse space. On LinkedIn, several BFG employees changed their status to "open for work," noting they were no longer with the company and searching for new opportunities. It's currently unclear if Green-Tek, Greenhouse Megastore and DeCloet Greenhouse are part of the closure, though sources with knowledge of the closure had been told those business units will remain open. GIE Media Horticulture Group reached out to BFG Supply for comment. Nursery'll share any updates as they become available. Founded in 1972 by John Gander, BFG served four broad customer segments: professional greenhouse and nursery growers; independent lawn and garden retailers; landscape professionals; and controlled environment ag and hydroponic growers. BFG sourced products from more than 1,000 suppliers. Beginning in the early 2000s, BFG's growth strategy focused on regional acquisitions and new service centers. The 2000s also brought on a series of private-equity ownership changes. Ownership and expansion history Cardinal Ventures LLC purchased BFG Supply Co. in 2000 and held it until 2010. The Indianapolis-based private-equity firm backed the first wave of acquisitions: J.G. Smith & Co. in 2002 (extending into Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri); Brighton By-Products in 2003 (broadening reach into Western Pennsylvania); MDM Horticultural Supplies in 2006 (extending territory to the Dakotas); and Kalamazoo Co-Op in 2007 (becoming the third warehouse hub). In 2010, Vancouver, B.C.-based Tricor Pacific Capital acquired BFG. In 2011, BFG acquired Westel Inc. (expanding coverage to 23 states and adding lawn/garden and turf lines) and JR Johnson (expanding coverage into Minneapolis). In 2013, BFG added a 200,000-square-foot lawn and garden warehouse in Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly Commerce Corp. Sponsored Content Explore Walters Gardens' new perennials for 2027 - each selected for standout performance and retail appeal. As a trusted leader in perennial innovation, Nursery select for bold colors, unique forms, and reliable garden success to help retailers inspire confident purchases and fresh displays with proven, consumer-focused varieties. By January 2020, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Incline Equity Partners took over until November 2021. During that time, Incline completed the acquisitions of Gard'N-Wise Distributors (expanding into the Midwest, Southwest and Mountain West) and L&L Nursery Supply (expanding across the Western U.S.). On Nov. 9, 2021, Incline sold BFG to Pamplona Capital Management. The following year, operating as a Pamplona platform company, BFG acquired Greenhouse Contractors Inc. (dba Greenhouse Megastore), which added greenhouse design and manufacturing, as well as e-commerce. The company acquired VG Supply, a lawn, garden and outdoor living distributor in the upper Midwest, in June 2024, and BFG announced a brand refresh with a new logo and tagline "Come Grow with Us." BFG completed a $300 million recapitalization Nov. 10, 2025. Piper Sandler served as the adviser. While no details were disclosed, it was classified as a "restructuring." Sources: Staff reports, BFG website, BFG press releases, PR Newswire and BusinessWire releases Get curated news on YOUR industry. Enter your email to receive its newsletters.

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