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South West Builders’ Merchants Join Forces

Independent builders’ merchants Kellaway Building Supplies has continued its recent growth with the acquisition of Marlborough Building Supplies.

Marlborough Building Supplies becomes Kellaway’s thirteenth branch and will continue to provide building supplies and products – including aggregates, timber and plumbing and heating equipment – to large contractors, general builders, self-build and DIY enthusiasts.

Established by Patrick Kiely and James Simper in 2001, Marlborough Building Supplies moved to its current purpose-built Blenheim Road premises in the heart of the Wiltshire market town in 2013, four years after Patrick’s son, Matthew, joined the business as a director.

Kellaway Building Supplies currently employs more than 195 staff across South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Formed in 1982, it is also the largest independent builders’ merchants in Bristol.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Matthew Kiely has remained with the business.

The sale was completed by John Davies and Simon Hore, corporate partners at leading regional law firm, Thrings, who advised Patrick, Matthew and James on all legal matters. This included liaising with multiple shareholders, due diligence, and limiting the seller’s liability under negotiated warranties.

Additional assistance was provided by corporate solicitor, Sadia Ghaffar, and legal director, Charlotte Barrett, who advised Marlborough Building Supplies on commercial property issues.

Matthew Kiely said: “This transaction marks a significant development in Marlborough Building Supplies’ history. Everyone involved with the business is tremendously excited to be working with their new colleagues at Kellaway Building Supplies and ensuring customers of both companies continue to enjoy high-quality building materials and services.

“The management team would like to extend its thanks to John, Simon and their team, not only for their legal and commercial expertise, but also for enabling the vendors to continue carrying out day-to-day operations as normal and providing customers with an uninterrupted level of service.”

Simon Hore said: “Marlborough Building Supplies is a much-admired and highly respected organisation, whose building supplies and products have been delivered by a team of knowledgeable industry specialists to customers across the South West for the past sixteen years.

“Thrings has enjoyed guiding Matthew and his fellow shareholders through the various stages of the sales process and negotiating the deal within tight timescales. We wish Kellaway Building Supplies every success as it looks to extend its coverage of branches across the region.”

Julian Milligan, managing director of Kellaway Building Supplies, said: “We are excited about Marlborough Building Supplies becoming part of our ever-growing business. Patrick, James and Matthew have developed a strong and well-respected business over a number of years and we look forward to growing the business further in years to come. We are delighted that Matthew is staying on with this us to manage the branch and share his wealth of expertise.”

Marlborough Building Supplies received advice on corporate finance matters by Naomi Hopkins of Swindon-based Hopkins Consulting.

Naomi added: "We are delighted to have assisted the three shareholders with the sale of their business to Kellaway Building Supplies. Marlborough Building Supplies is a strong and well-run business with a solid reputation for good customer service within their local area. They have enjoyed healthy growth over the last few years and I’m confident this will continue under the new ownership."

Kellaway Building Supplies received legal representation from Harrison Clark Rickerbys.