Grafton Merchanting has bought the trade and certain assets of Thompson Building Centres and Thompson Associated Plumbing Supplies.
The purchase includes the four existing branches of Thompson Building Centres in Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle and Gateshead as well as a site in South Shields, closed prior to the administration. Thompson will become part of Grafton’s Buildbase division and will widen the company’s area of operation, enabling it to trade for the first time in the North East.
Taps Plumbing & Heating Supplies is also included in the acquisition with a standalone store in Birtley and at branches within the builders’ merchants sites.
Thompson entered administration in early March 2013. Mark Firmin, joint administrator and regional head of restructuring at KPMG, said: “We are pleased to have secured a sale that preserves this well-known business and offers employment opportunities for local people.”
Mark Kelly, chief executive of Grafton Merchanting GB, says: “It has been a challenging period for Thompson, but our intention is to restore and enhance the business to the benefit of all involved. There will be opportunities for people to join a well-established, successful and forward-thinking company, which are greatly enhanced by being part of a larger group.
“Core suppliers will be reengaged and shelves will be restocked over the next few weeks so that we can reinstate the high levels of service and goods that Thompson’s has long been known for.”
