Historic builders' merchant EH Smith has expanded its portfolio in its Midlands heartland with the acquisition of a Coventry business. The Shirley-headquartered firm, which this year celebrates its centenary, has acquired independent merchant Builders Supply.
Family-run EM Smith has 13 trading locations employing 450 staff, the majority of which are in the Midlands region. Builders Supply was founded in Coventry in 1931 and has been run by the third generation of the Ballinger family, employing 28 staff at two sites in Spon End and Aintree Close.
Directors are now retiring from the business post-buyout, terms of which were not disclosed.
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EH Smith's managing director Mark Setchell said: "We are delighted to welcome our colleagues from Builders Supply into the group. The location in Coventry is a natural fit within our existing geography, strengthening our service offering to our customers.
"We look forward to working closely with them throughout the transition period to ensure this is a smooth process for all staff and customers."
Builders Supply's director Julian Ballinger added: "Having taken the decision to retire after running the company for over 40 years, the directors felt that EH Smith represented the best future for the business, our staff and customers. We feel comfortable that our organisation is in good hands for many more years to come."
Builders Supply will continue to run independently from EH Smith, with all existing supply agreements, payments and other matters remaining unchanged.
Law firm Freeths advised EH Smith on the acquisition.
Corporate director Ateeq Ahmed said: "It was a genuine pleasure to work with the EH Smith management team on such an important transaction, especially during the company's centenary year. It is always great to see a client's business growing and enjoying success so the fact that we were able to support it on this deal is all the more satisfying."
