Scottsdale, AZ, May 9/PRNewswire/-Weston Weber, Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Putting Green Technologies, Inc. (SPGT), headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, has announced the sale of SPGT to Southwest Greens Holdings, Inc., a group of Atlanta business executives and well-known professional athletes, led by Atlanta business executive, Richard Davis III. The new company is called Southwest Greens International LLC (SWGI) and is based in Roswell, Georgia. Davis is serving as the company’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner. Weber is assisting in the transition and is serving as a director and SWGI board member.
Weber founded Southwest Greens in Arizona in 1996. Today, the company is a multi-million dollar network of 90+ franchise operations worldwide and is considered the global leader in designing and installing state-of-the-art synthetic putting greens for residential and commercial use. SWGI’s product is the preferred putting surface for over 35 professional golfers on the PGA Tour, including Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson as well as avid amateur golfers. SWGI was selected by Nicklaus Design ® in 2004 to produce premium synthetic golf greens for residential customers.
“Southwest Greens has experienced exponential growth since its inception in 1996,” said Weber. “It is now a global leader in the synthetic golf green industry and has expanded its reach by entering, and, in some cases dominating the growing markets for synthetic lawns and landscaping, resorts, multi-sport recreational facilities, corporate campuses, commercial properties and school playgrounds. “The infusion of additional capital through the sale of Southwest Greens was a logical step in securing its future as the preeminent supplier, designer and installer of synthetic surfaces on a global level. Richard Davis is a highly successful business executive who has put together a group of talented business people and professional athletes who have the expertise, credibility, and dedication to build on our success by taking Southwest Greens to the next level. I have every reason to believe that SWGI will achieve its growth potential under Davis’ leadership, continue to dominate the market for synthetic golf greens, develop the business for synthetic surfaces and explore new opportunities to apply this exciting technology.”
In announcing the acquisition of SWGI, Davis said SWGI’s record of strong and consistent financial performance and remarkable rate of growth in the synthetic surface industry under Weber’s leadership were decisive factors in reaching an agreement. “SWGI is a healthy, vibrant international company with unlimited growth potential,” said Davis. “High growth companies like SWGI are rare in any industry and we believe that we are in the perfect strategic position to dominate multiple markets on a global scale. We have a team of seasoned professionals in place who know the product, understand the market and listen to the customer. We are well prepared to grow our franchises, increase our profitability and develop new products and opportunities worldwide.”
Davis also announced that John Smoltz, professional MLB All-star from the Atlanta Braves and former Cy Young Award Winner, and Zane Smith, former Major League Pitcher who played for Atlanta, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Boston during his successful career, have both have joined the ownership of SWGI.
Davis said that SWGI would be focusing on building profitability into the existing franchise network; expanding franchise operations in Europe and the Middle East; launching a Sports Division to market synthetic surfaces to a variety of market segments; increasing the number of SWGI corporate accounts; and working closely with its suppliers to ensure premium product quality. He also announced that SWGI would be opening a state-of-the-art training facility in Marietta, GA, the future home of SWGI’s Corporate Headquarters. It will be used to train and certify franchisees in proper installation procedures for synthetic surfaces on all types of projects, including large commercial projects that require heavy equipment.
“We look forward to an exciting and productive year ahead at SWGI,” said Davis. “The outlook for 2008 and beyond in this industry and for this company is tremendous.”
Southwest Greens International, LLC is located in Roswell, GA, is a global leader in designing and installing state-of-the-art synthetic putting greens for residential and commercial use. It is the preferred putting surface for professionals on the PGA Tour as well as avid amateur golfers. More information about the company and its products can be accessed online at www.southwestgreens.com. For franchise information, contact Kyle Ehman at 770-642-2273 or 1-877-260-7888 or visit www.southwestgreens.com. For additional information, contact Panther Marketing, Inc. at 480-419-1600 or email info@panthermarketing.com.
Contact:
Gina Ptaszek Weber
President
Panther Marketing, Inc.
9715 E. Cochise Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480-419-1600
480-419-1620 fax
602-432-4856 cell
ginaw@panthermarketing.com
www.panthermarketing.com
