Lords Group Completes Acquisition of CMO

LORDS GROUP has completed the acquisition of the trade and assets of CMO Group, the online retailer of construction products.

The acquisition follows a CMO pre-pack administration. CMO’s 120 employees will join Lords Group.

The acquisition combines Lords’ infrastructure and merchanting experience with CMO’s online model. Lords Group says the acquisition reflects Lords’ continued focus on growth, diversification, and digital innovation in the construction materials distribution sector.

Founded in 2008 as Construction Materials Online, CMO was one of the first online roofing merchants.

It built an e-commerce platform serving homeowners and trade professionals through a suite of specialist superstore websites.

The Plymouth-based company saw substantial and rapid growth in its early years.

Its 140,000 listed products and hybrid approach combining online sales with technical support, made CMO a disruptor in the traditionally offline merchant sector.

Dean Murray, CEO of CMO, said: “The acquisition marks a new and exciting chapter for CMO. We have built a strong, digitally-led business over the past 15 years, and in Lords we have found a partner that not only understands our model but shares our ambition. I am incredibly proud of what the CMO team has achieved and excited about what is next.”

Acquisition of CMO

Lords says the events before the acquisition “have had an impact on a number of stakeholders, including creditors and suppliers”.

It added “The pre-pack administration process was undertaken with careful consideration and in close coordination with legal and financial advisers, with the intention of preserving as much business continuity, employment, and value as possible.”

Shanker Patel, CEO of Lords, said: “We are mindful of the impact of the pre-pack administration process on affected parties and are committed to conducting the transition with respect. Our focus now is on ensuring a stable and successful future for the CMO business and all its stakeholders.”

All trading activity continues under the new ownership without interruption. Customers, suppliers, and partners are being contacted.

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