BASINGSTOKE: Corgi-direct, an online plumbing and heating merchant business, has been acquired by Grafton Merchanting GB, the holding company for Irish based Grafton Group.

Kevin Middleton, managing director Grafton Merchanting said: "This is a natural extension of our business portfolio and will complement our existing brands. On-line sales are one of the fastest growing sectors and this is an exciting opportunity to tap into it."

Corgi-direct will continue to trade under the same name with Clare Barrett as general manager.