Irish builders merchants and DIY groups, Associated Hardware and National Hardware are establishing a €300m joint venture buying group.
The two companies, which represent more than 150 stores throughout the Republic of Ireland, said the move to create United Hardware would provide greater stability for members and suppliers.
“This joint venture will create an Irish builders merchants and DIY buying group of sufficient scale to ensure that we have the ability to compete against major Irish and international operators in the difficult Irish market,” said Conor Whelan, chairman of Associated Hardware plc.
“We do not have the scale of the Grafton Group, Wolseley and B&Q in Ireland,” added Mark Delaney, chief executive of Associated Hardware plc.
“What we have achieved in combining our buying and sourcing functions, is that we have ensured our ability to compete against these much larger rivals in very difficult conditions.”
Associated Hardware operates the Homevalue brand, while National Hardware runs the ARRO brand.
