Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The acquisition of the Grafton GB Merchanting business from Grafton Group plc will turn Huws Gray into the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, it was announced this morning.
The £520m deal comprises approximately 200 merchant branches and 3,500 people.
Terry Owen, founder and chairman, of Huws Gray said: “We are thoroughly excited and feel extremely privileged to be able to acquire such a well-respected name in the industry. This has given us the opportunity to more than double our branch network and substantially increases our geographical
footprint. We look forward to working alongside our new colleagues and continuing on our exciting journey.”
The deal is considered to be the biggest of its kind in the industry to date and is subject to customary regulatory approval by the Competition and Markets Authority, a process expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2022. Until then, the businesses will continue to trade independently.
Huws Gray CEO Ian Northen, added: “We look forward to meeting our new colleagues across the business at the earliest opportunity. Through this acquisition, by working together as one team, we will continue on our journey, with a clear focus to deliver the best service possible to all our customers, at the same time as creating opportunities for new and existing colleagues.”
