Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Kent-based independent plumber & heating merchant and bathroom showroom business Thompson and Leigh has bought fellow independent merchant business Drakes Plumbing Supplies Ltd. in a pre-pack deal from administrators Quantuma.
Founded in 1983, Drakes brings Thompson & Leigh seven plumbing and heating counters, six of which also have bathroom showrooms, across Kent and East Sussex. The Drakes branches are in Whitstable, Gillingham, Ashford, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, East Grinstead and Uckfield. Thompson & Leigh have branches in Dartford, Crayford and Bexleyheath, consisting of two trade counters and two 4000sq foot bathroom showrooms.
Director Ian Thompson said: “We look forward to working with the staff to fulfill the full potential of all the Drakes’ branches. We achieve this through greater stock diversification, improved service, up-to-date e-commerce, showroom upgrades and specialist centres giving each branch individuality.
“We would also like to thank David Aisher and Robert Hartman of Drakes, the administrators Quantuma, and IBB Law for their help in making the acquisition possible and preventing this great company from vanishing altogether, resulting in multiple job losses.”
Drakes will continue as a brand name but will in future trade through Thompson and Leigh Ltd.
