Grafton group acquires UK merchant Thompsons for €3.8m

DIY and builders' merchant group Grafton has bought English operation Thompson Building Centres for €3.8 million.

Thompson had been placed into administration earlier this month.

The acquisition will extend Grafton's UK merchanting business to the northeast of England.

The Sunderland-based Thompsons business was founded 60 years ago and developed a strong position in the northeast merchanting market.

In January, Grafton reported profits of €33 million on the back of increased sales and lower costs. The company, which owns Woodie's and Atlantic Homecare, grew revenues 6 per cent to €2.17 billion last year.