Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd has bought the trading assets and goodwill of Sunderland-based Quality Timber Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
The move consolidates Brooks Bros’ business in the north of England, giving it a local base in the north-east and an experienced management team led by Tony Ferris.
Quality Timber was set up in 2006 and grew quickly but, according to Brooks Bros, its credit insurance cover was cut back and trading became difficult, culminating in a court application last month giving notice of an intention to go into administration.
Brooks Bros sales and marketing director Mark Fleming said the group snapped up the business before it formally went into administration.
“In order to be a more effective supplier to our customers in the north-east and Scotland we have, for some time, been looking to put roots down in the north-east,” he said.
“The opportunity, combined with location and the experience of the existing management team, made this acquisition the perfect choice,”
Quality Timber will now be rebranded Brooks Bros (NE) Ltd and all current staff will be retained.
Brooks Bros is also to rename its Fitchett & Woollacott Ltd business Brooks Bros (Midlands) Ltd.
At the same time the group is investing in its manufacturing facilities by purchasing two Weinig Powermat moulders, a model 1000 at Danbury and model 500 plus ProfiRip KM 310M multi-rip saw at Nottingham.
