ANGLESEY: Huws Gray continues its’ hectic 2012 acquisition programme as it adds another two branches to its’ superb portfolio of trading locations.

Following acquisitions in Wigan, Llanidloes, and Dyffryn Ardudwy as well as the opening of two new branches in Stoke-on-Trent and Porthmadog, Huws Gray are delighted to announce an increased presence in Powys as well as the opening of their first-ever branch in Ceredigion.

These acquisitions take the company up to 41 trading locations, further establishing the company as the largest independent builders’ merchant in Wales and North-West England, and making it the largest independent in the UK in terms of branches.

The branches at Bow Street, near Aberystwyth, and Llandrindod Wells, were acquired from Jewson following the OFT’s (Office of Fair Trading) review into Jewson’s 2011 acquisition of Build Center from Wolseley.

Huws Gray Chairman, John Llewelyn Jones is delighted to acquire both new branches: “While recent years have seen us focus our growth mainly in the north-west of England, we are delighted to be able to expand our portfolio within Wales this year. Porthmadog and Dyffryn Ardudwy are excellent strategic fits in terms of our historic trading area within north-west Wales, but following the acquisition of Llanidloes Building Supplies in March this year, both Bow Street (Aberystwyth) and Llandrindod Wells provide further fantastic opportunities for us to expand our branch network within Wales.”

Huws Gray managing director Terry Owen is very optimistic about trading in mid Wales: “Although the economic downturn has gone on for far longer than anyone could have imagined four years ago, we are very excited and remain optimistic that these new branches will be valuable contributors to our future company performance.”

“Through a deep commitment to company values which stress passion and energy for our work allied to training and development, Huws Gray has acquired these branches in order to grow them, and thereby provide further opportunities for existing and future staff throughout our whole network of branches.”