MKM Acquisition of Five Sites of John Nicholls Trading

MKM’s ACQUISITION of five sites of John Nicholls Trading Ltd will expand the independent builders’ merchant’s presence across the Midlands.

Founded in 1965 by late chairman John Nicholls, the group has grown significantly over the years from one branch in Banbury to over 25 sites covering Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, and Dorset.

MKM’s acquisition of John Nicholls’ five sites includes sites in Banbury, Bicester, Kidlington, Rugby and a distribution centre at Long Hanborough.

Management Buyout

The John Nicholls business’s Plumbing and Heating division has been acquired separately via a management buyout. Spearheaded by Executive Chairman of John Nicholls Trading, Andrew Nicholls, the buyout was made with four of the company’s directors – Adam England, Sam Hall, Mark Walton and David Simms.

MKM Acquisition

Kate Tinsley, CEO of MKM, said: “The acquisition of these branches’ forms part of MKM’s ambitious growth strategy, enabling us to further expand our operations across the Midlands.

“We are collaborating with the existing John Nicholls staff to ensure it will be a seamless transition, allowing customers to trade with MKM straight away with existing terms. The acquisition allows us to continue providing an independent merchant, run by local people, for local people. We intend to preserve the values and local focus of John Nicholls as it is harmonious with the core ethos of MKM.”

Andrew Nicholls, Executive Chairman of John Nicholls Trading, said: “We have taken our time and I know that in selling these branches to MKM that we have found a suitable custodian to continue the levels of service our customers have become accustomed to.

“Whilst the decision to sell the sites has not been taken lightly, it allows us to focus on growing and developing our Plumbing & Heating and showroom businesses both in John Nicholls and J&B’s whilst retaining the Nicholls family name. As part of the sale, it also facilitates Phillip Nicholls’ retirement.”

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