Harper Macleod advises builders' merchants on east coast acquisition
News
Leading independent law firm Harper Macleod has advised the Paisley-based building and timber supplies business JW Grant on its acquisition of Lothian Building Supplies in Tranent, East Lothian.
JW Grant is one of the largest independent builders’ merchants in the west of Scotland with branches in Glasgow, Coatbridge, Maryhill and Kilmarnock alongside its Paisley home and headquarters. Specialising in the self-build market, it also operates an extensive online retail offering.
Its acquisition of Lothian Building Supplies marks JW Grant’s first acquisition in the east of Scotland.
Seanna McLellan, director of JW Grant, said: “The transaction marks a significant step in the company’s growth ambitions”. Andrew McLellan, senior management in JW Grant and who managed the transaction process, said: “Lothian Building Supplies aligns perfectly to our ethos of providing forward-thinking practices and products. This will allow us to extend our offering and continued dedication to our loyal customers. We’re looking forward to welcoming the Lothian team into the JW Grant family and strengthening our collective efforts.”
Corporate partner, Paul Macdonald, led the Harper Macleod team advising JW Grant on the acquisition. He was supported by Andy Pirie (Corporate), David Bell (Commercial Property) and Scott Milligan (Employment). Paul said: “The JW Grant team has built a strong and growing business with the foundations to grow further across Scotland. Although it is a competitive sector, this acquisition will allow both companies to target new markets, extend their product offerings, and collaborate to further drive their already market-leading customer service.
“The builders’ merchant sector continues to change and respond to both consumer and trade demand as determined by market conditions. What both JW Grant and Lothian Building Supplies have shown is that they understand those market conditions, what their customers are looking for right now, with the drive to meet those demands.”
JW Grant was established to create a business combining expert staff with leading products and supplies to the building trade. From its Paisley base it has now grown to one of Scotland’s largest independent merchants, offering building, timber and landscaping supplies to both retail and trade customers.
The Lothian Building Supplies brand will be retained, with members of the management team retained to operate the Lothian business going forward.
“The builders’ merchant sector continues to change and respond to both consumer and trade demand as determined by market conditions. What both JW Grant and Lothian Building Supplies have shown is that they understand those market conditions, what their customers are looking for right now, with the drive to meet those demands.”