Deere & Company Acquires Leader in Precision Irrigation

MOLINE, Ill., June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Deere & Company announced today that it has acquired Roberts Irrigation Products -- a manufacturer of high performance plastic micro and drip irrigation products for the agricultural, nursery, and greenhouse markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Roberts Irrigation will continue to be headquartered in San Marcos, CA. The acquisition of Roberts Irrigation provides Deere a foundation to grow its new business initiative in precision water systems.

"Among Deere & Company's strategic growth opportunities, the water industry is one that makes very good sense," said Mike McGrady, president of John Deere's Precision Water Systems. "Water is an important natural resource for customers of John Deere equipment. Management of this limited resource will become even more critical in the future."

"Customers of Roberts Irrigation and John Deere will benefit from this new affiliation," said John Roberts, who will remain as president of Roberts Irrigation. "Both John Deere and Roberts Irrigation value innovative solutions. Our customers desire near perfect product support and products that help them be productive and successful. With this initiative, we believe customers will be well served as we expand our product line and service levels."

Roberts Irrigation Products ( http://www.robertsirrigation.com/ ) was founded in 1968 after the company's first product -- a plastic rotary sprinkler -- was developed on the Roberts family farm. As sales grew, the company eventually built its manufacturing operation in San Marcos and supplied agricultural, greenhouse and nursery growers throughout the United States. With a commitment to tradition, integrity and innovation, the company grew internationally to become one the world's leaders in high performance irrigation.

Deere & Company is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment, a major manufacturer of construction equipment, and a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care. John Deere also manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment and provides landscape and worldwide financial services. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.