Travis Perkins has moved to capture further market share in the insulation and drylining market with the £45.9m acquisition of Commercial Ceiling Factors and Basic Partition Systems (CCF).

The takeover gives Travis Perkins 20 distribution centres supplying drylining and insulation products, suspended ceilings, partitions and doors throughout the UK. Combined with the six Atkins centres it already owns, the merchanting giant now has a 20% market share in the sector.

Frank McKay, Travis Perkins chief executive, explained: “It is not that we are moving away from the core Travis Perkins business. This helps grow our business, giving it that added strength.

“Drylining and insulation is a growth market. It supplements the plasterboard that we offer at our independent mixed branches.”

Mr McKay said CCF effectively gives Travis Perkins a national network for drylining and insulation products, which are mainly bound for commercial end use but also some new housing, including timber frame.

He said there is more focus on these product areas since the advent of the government’s energy efficiency regulations.