Independent builders’ merchant bought by Saint-Gobain

SAINT-GOBAIN has bought an independent builders’ merchants in Manchester as it continues to expand its network.

The Coventry-based group has acquired Benchmark Building Supplies, which employs 59 people at six sites around the M60 in Greater Manchester, for an undisclosed sum.

Benchmark was founded in 1996 and generated sales of £11.8m in its 2016 financial year. It has become a subsidiary of the £700m-turnover Saint-Gobain Building Distribution and joins brands including Gibbs & Dandy and JP Corry in its local merchant group division.

Mark Rayfield, chief executive of the Saint-Gobain Building Distribution businesses in the UK and Ireland, said: “This is our second acquisition in 2016, which demonstrates that despite uncertainty in the market following the recent referendum result, we are proactively seeking opportunities to continue to expand our network, providing customers with greater choice and availability.”

Benchmark chairman Phill Brown added: “Saint-Gobain has a proud and successful heritage in the builders’ merchant industry and I have been very impressed with their commitment to retain all that has made Benchmark a thriving builders’ merchant in the North West.”

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