Grant & Stone has acquired RGB Building Supplies (RGB), creating the largest independent builders’ merchant group in southern England.
The enlarged group will have 74 branches stretching from West London to Cornwall, with over 1,000 employees and combined revenues approaching £250 million.
Founded in 1850, RGB serves customers across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Headquartered in Barnstable, its 22 branches offer trade and retail customers an array of landscaping, plumbing and heating, heavyside and lightside, decorating and general building materials, as well as dedicated kitchen, bathroom and bedroom showrooms in many locations.
RGB also operates a timber sawmill and engineered wood product business under the RTD brand. The company employs over 300 people and achieved revenues of £70 million in 2020.
Kevin Fenlon, chief executive of RGB, will continue to run the business, reporting to Nick House, Grant & Stone’s Group chief executive officer, and will join the Grant & Stone Group board.
He said: “I am looking forward to joining the board and working together with the Grant & Stone directors to advance the long-term strategy and future direction of the Group. We are completely aligned in our ambitions for the company and how we achieve them, as well as having a shared approach to product excellence and outstanding customer service.”
Grant & Stone’s stated strategy has been to develop its builders’ merchant business through a combination of acquisitions, new site development and organic growth. With no overlap of locations, RGB’s highly complementary branch network and product range provides geographic expansion, product extension and a strong platform for further growth.
Nick House, Grant & Stone’s group chief executive, added: “We are delighted to welcome RGB to the Group. Our shared values, vision and commitment to customers make this an obvious partnership and a welcome addition to our Group.
“Grant & Stone is at an exciting point in its development and we have ambitious plans to fulfil, but we are fortunate to be able to benefit from strong investor support, exceptional products, first-rate employees and a well-deserved reputation for superior service. We are excited about the next phase of our development.”
