Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Timber distributor National Timber Group England has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, preventing enforcement action from creditors, which will effectively buy it time to pursue “advanced discussions” with an interested party about a sale of a substantial chunk of its business. It is not in administration.
The group has its headquarters in Sheffield, and trades under brands including Arnold Laver, National Timber Systems, SV Timber and NORclad. According to the latest accounts, it turned over nearly £200m in 2023, with pre-tax losses of £6.3m.
Founded in Sheffield in 1920 by Arnold Laver, the group supplies joiners, house builders, contractors and large infrastructure schemes, backed by extensive warehousing, processing and distribution operations.
Mark Dixon, chief executive of the National Timber Group, said that the firm had been experiencing difficult trading conditions and liquidity challenges for some time, with the directors actively exploring options to stabilise and recapitalise the business.
“These efforts have included implementing cost reduction measures, seeking additional funding and considering the potential sale of some or all of the business. National Timber Group is now in advanced discussions with an interested party regarding the sale of a substantial part of the business, and also with other potential funding partners.”
The Group was originally created through the acquisitions of market-leading brands Thornbridge, NYTimber, Rembrand Timber and Arnold Laver.
