Saint-Gobain sells UK distribution brands

Saint-Gobain UK and Ireland has announced the sales details for three of its four specialist plumbing, heating and sanitaryware distribution brands in the UK.

The regional division of the France-based construction sector group, which designs, manufactures and distributes materials and products internationally, will divest itself of the Neville Lumb, DHS and Bassetts distribution businesses.

These will be sold to Wolseley UK, with the transactions currently expected to be completed in early 2022.

Saint-Gobain, which counts British Gypsum, Jewson, Weber, Isover, Glassolutions, Saint-Gobain PAM, and Ecophon among its subsidiaries, has also begun exclusive negotiations with Wolseley for the sale of its Ideal Bathrooms subsidiary - its fourth and last remaining UK distribution business.

“Together, these four brands employ 485 people and have 25 outlets, generating a turnover of approximately €130 million in 2020,” said Saint-Gobain UK.

“On successful completion of these transactions, given the divestment of Graham (turnover of approximately €260 million in 2020, 130 outlets) in August 2021, Saint-Gobain will no longer have any distribution brands specialized in plumbing, heating and sanitaryware products in the UK.”

For the past year Saint-Gobain Group has been streamlining its activities both in the UK and abroad, in an effort to offer a more focused product range.

Mike Chaldecott, CEO of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, said, “This sale is part of Saint-Gobain’s strategy to create a focussed portfolio of businesses directed towards high growth markets, with the expertise to Make the World a Better Home and help us achieve our vision to be a leader in light and sustainable construction.”

In 2021 the Paris-headquartered group also announced the divestment of its glass processing businesses in Denmark, France and Germany, and further expanded its plasterboard, timber, construction chemicals manufacturing and distribution activities around the world.