Ball Corp. Buys Major Seed Producer: The...

Ball Corp. Buys Major Seed Producer: The Geo. J. Ball Corp., a leading plant breeder and producer, has bought W. Atlee Burpee Co., the firms announced. The purchase price was not disclosed. Officials at the privately held companies said the purchase would broaden the markets available for West Chicago-based Ball’s products and provide a generally good fit for both firms. Burpee, of Warminster, Pa., is a leading producer of seeds for the home gardening market. Burpee will continue to operate as an independent business with no planned changes in management.