Skipton builders merchants Merritt & Fryers has acquired Briggs & Duxbury in Barnoldswick, Lancashire.

Established in 1909, Briggs & Duxbury history has remarkable parallels with that of Merritt & Fryers. Both firms started out as builders and funeral directors before becoming builders' merchants. The funeral directors division of Briggs & Duxbury will remain under that name, with the builders' merchants business gradually re-branding as Merritt & Fryers over the coming months.

Rachel Fryers, a spokesperson for Merritt & Fryers, commented: “We are delighted to be bringing our two firms together under the Merritt & Fryers brand at this time. We plan to retain jobs for all the existing staff and will be looking to develop the business further.”

Mark Brennand of Briggs & Duxbury said: “We share the same values and background as family businesses with expertise and customer service central to our success, so we are confident that this transition is a great opportunity and definitely great news for our employees and the Barnoldswick community”.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, represents a key step in Merritt & Fryers consolidating its reputation in the Craven area by extending its footprint into Lancashire.