United Hardware completes acquisition of Expert Hardware
United Hardware, a leading independent buying and marketing group for builders' merchants, DIY and home and garden retailers, has completed the acquisition of Expert Hardware.
The deal brings together established organisations, serving independent hardware retailers and builders' merchants across more than 200 stores combined.
The company support over 2,500 jobs nationwide and bring in more than €500m per year in revenue.
United Hardware said that Expert Hardware would continue to operate independently within the group, with ongoing investment planned in the development, expansion and positioning of both brands across their respective markets.
The acquisitions represents United Hardware's strategic expansion into the community and convenience DIY sector, complementing its existing strength in the larger DIY, builders' merchant and home improvement market through its Homevalue brand.
Expert Hardware currently operates through a network of 51 independently owned stores.
United Hardware believes there is a significant opportunity to grow the Expert Hardware brand and network over the coming years, with an ambition to expand to more than 80 stores by 2030.
“This is a very positive and strategic development for both organisations and, most importantly, for the independent hardware retailers and communities we collectively serve across Ireland," said Paul Candon, CEO of United Hardware.
“Expert Hardware is a highly respected and well-established brand with strong local roots and highly entrepreneurial members.
"From the outset, our focus has been on creating a stronger future together while preserving the identity, independence and community connection that makes both organisations successful.
“By bringing the two groups together, we are strengthening our ability to invest in our members through improved buying scale, technology, marketing, retail support and brand development, while ensuring both the Homevalue and Expert Hardware brands continue to evolve and grow in their own markets.
“We believe this transaction positions the enlarged Group exceptionally well for the future and further strengthens independent Irish-owned hardware retailing at a time of significant change within the sector.”
David Baker, chair of Expert Hardware, said: “This marks an important and positive milestone for Expert Hardware and our members.
"In joining United Hardware, our members are becoming part of a larger and highly successful organisation that shares our values around independence, local ownership and supporting community-based retailers.
"The transaction gives our members access to greater scale, enhanced commercial support and future investment opportunities, while ensuring the Expert Hardware brand and our local retail identity continue to be developed and strengthened.
United Hardware has acquired Expert Hardware. (Pic: Fintan Clarke/Coalesce)
"We are very confident this move creates long-term opportunity and sustainability for our members and positions the Expert Hardware brand strongly for future growth.”
United Hardware said the enlarged group will now focus on the next phase of development across both brands, including organic store growth, expansion of the retail network, investment in digital capability and enhanced customer experience.
Photo: (l-r) David Baker, chair of Expert Hardware, and Paul Candon, CEO of United Hardware. (Pic: Supplied)
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