Screwfix £3m Acquisition of eSpares and Connect Trade Company

SCREWFIX, part of Kingfisher plc, has announced the £3m acquisition of Connect Distribution Services out of administration.

Following the appointment of Alvarez & Marsal as administrators, Connect Distribution Services Ltd retails appliance spares, accessories and consumables to tradespeople and consumers through digital and telephone channels.

Screwfix will continue to operate the business as a going concern, acquiring its e-commerce platforms, stock, intellectual property and product data. Over 400 current Connect Distribution Services employees will transfer to Kingfisher plc.

Mark Depper, COO, Connect Distribution Services said: “I’m delighted that Screwfix and Kingfisher have recognised the strengths of the brands and will continue to run this amazing business that my father started 50 years ago. I’m confident that this new ownership will realise the full potential of the brands.”

£3m Acquisition

Connect Distribution Services’ online trading brands include sites such as eSpares, BuySpares, 4OurHouse and the Connect Trade Portal.

Both businesses serve B2B and B2C customers through digital and fulfilment platforms. Screwfix says it will explore delivering Connect’s orders through Screwfix’s nationwide store network.

John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “I’m very pleased to be able to secure the future of the business of Connect Distribution Services. The business’ popular ecommerce platforms have significant growth potential and they play an important role in helping tradespeople and consumers keep products in use for longer, supporting our sustainability agenda.”

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