National Buying Group Partner Inter-Line Building Supplies has acquired local builders' merchant Morris & McGinn to support future operations.
As a result of the acquisition, which was finalised in October, Morris & McGinn has become an associate of NBG. The family-run independent traders, based in Teignmouth and Dawlish, Devon, specialise in light side heating and decorating products and has been operating since 1948.
Like all independent merchants, Morris & McGinn faced difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic due to a lack of online infrastructure, which was crucial to supporting the business during this period. With joint directors Ross and Sharon McGinn also reaching retirement age, the company required additional future support.
As a local established merchant, Inter-Line Building Supplies was approached for advice, and a deal was reached. With Ross’ long-term experience and NBG’s buying power, the relationship is set to bring mutual benefits and success to the companies.
Morris & McGinn will continue to operate independently as a reliable and independent local brand, upholding its ethos as a long-standing and family-run local merchant, much like Inter-Line.
The forward focus for the business will be to ensure employee retention to safeguard for the future, to ensure new challenges can be mitigated.
On the new relationship, Neil Robinson, Financial Director at Inter-Line, said: “We are thrilled to have taken on Morris & McGinn as an associate of Inter-Line and to be able to provide support during this challenging time. We will work closely with Ross and his colleagues to ensure the businesses move forward together, while retaining our separate local reputations as reliable and supportive independent merchants.”
Ross will manage the Morris & McGinn branches with the support of Sharon. While this will be his main role, Ross will also be able to help other branches in the group develop these product ranges. The focus will be on the future and how the company can modernise to adapt to future challenges. This will include training and receiving advice on health and safety and HR processes.
Operating as an associate of Inter-Line, Morris & McGinn will also become an associate of NBG, giving it the opportunity to reap the benefits of being a buying group member. NBG will be able to provide support as the company faces new challenges and seeks future investment.
Ross said: “This new relationship with Inter-Line comes at the perfect time for Morris & McGinn, as the industry faces new challenges, and we require that extra bit of support.
“With Sharon and I starting to think about moving into retirement, we wanted to ensure the future welfare of our employees, make sure the company is in good hands, and in a position to move forward.
“We are so pleased to be working with Inter-Line, a company that holds similar values to our own and understands the local market. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the business as we learn from Inter-Line and the NBG relationship.”
Nick Oates, Managing Director at NBG, said: “It’s wonderful to see NBG Partners supporting other local businesses during what has been such a tough time for the industry. We are thrilled to have Morris & McGinn on board as an associate member and look forward to welcoming Ross and the team into the NBG family.”
