Deere & Company Enhances Leadership Position in Wholesale Landscape Industry

MOLINE, Ill., May 31, 2005 -- Deere & Company today announced that John Deere Landscapes has acquired United Green Mark Inc. to enhance its position as the leading wholesale distributor of irrigation, nursery, lighting and landscape materials in the U.S.

Deere said the acquisition adds momentum to the company's already successful John Deere Landscapes operation, which was formed in 2001 after Deere purchased companies in the wholesale landscape supplies and irrigation industries.

"The acquisition of United Green Mark is supportive of our aspiration to grow a business as great as our products," said Robert W. Lane, Deere & Company chairman and chief executive officer. "This decision expands the number of customers served by John Deere Landscapes and allows the business to accelerate its potential growth in shareholder value added -- an important measure for our investors."

United Green Mark has 41 locations in the western United States, mainly in California, and was previously owned by Olympus Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut.

Deere enhances leadership position in wholesale landscape industry -- page two John Deere Landscapes -- which is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia -- will add the United Green Mark stores to the existing 250 John Deere Landscapes stores across the U.S. and Canada. Deere said the transaction allows the company to accelerate its entry and penetration in the key states of the western U.S. that are served by United Green Mark locations.

Financial details of the transaction were not made available.

Deere & Company is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care; and a major manufacturer of construction equipment. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses.