Grafton’s move for Heiton

THE proposed takeover of builders’ merchant and DIY group Heiton by larger rival Grafton has taken a fresh twist with news that British builders’ products group Wolseley is set to beef up its presence in Ireland.

Wolseley is understood to be the front runner in the race to buy Brooks, which holds the number three slot in the Irish builders’ providers market behind Heiton and Grafton.

The British company is believed to have prepared a E200 million offer for Brooks. Heiton’s interest in acquiring Brooks believed to have triggered the approach from Grafton that became public last month.