United Hardware, an independent buying and marketing group for builders’ merchants, DIY and home & garden retailers, has completed a deal to buy Expert Hardware after clearance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
The companies said today’s deal brings together two long-established organisations serving independent hardware retailers and builders’ merchants across Ireland.
It creates a combined network of more than 200 stores, supporting over 2,500 jobs nationwide, with annual retail turnover of over €500m.
Expert Hardware has a network of 51 independently owned stores throughout Ireland.
United Hardware said it believes there is 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.
Paul Candon, the chief executive of United Hardware, said today’s deal marked a very positive and strategic development for both organisations and, most importantly, for the independent hardware retailers and communities we collectively serve across Ireland.
“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,” Mr Candon said.
“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,” he added.
David Baker, Chair of Expert Hardware, said the deal marks an important and positive milestone for Expert Hardware and its 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,” he said.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
