Builders’ merchant becomes part of £120m-turnover group

A SHROPSHIRE builders’ merchants has been swept up into a £120m-turnover Welsh group.

Anglesey-based Huws Gray has acquired Shropshire Building Supplies (SBS) for an undisclosed sum as it seeks to build up its presence in the Midlands. SBS, which was founded in 1977, operates five sites – two in Shrewsbury, plus Leebotwood, Ludlow and Newport.

The deal sees its owners Ian Beaver and Joan Beaver, and director Emma Beaver, step down from the board.

“This is a significant acquisition for Huws Gray,” said Terry Owen, the managing director of Huws Gray. “We are extremely excited about this deal and the future.”

Huws Gray’s most recent published accounts, for 2014, show a pre-tax profit of £15.1m on revenues of £116.6m. In recent months the group has been on an acquisition spree, buying RW Almonds, Minera Building Suppliers, ST Group, Qualplas, Brick Market, Cornerstone Building and Landscape Products and Woodford Plumbing and Heating.

The Liverpool-based corporate team of Weightmans advised Huws Gray on the deal.