Travis Perkins considers move for UK DIY chain

British builders’ merchant Travis Perkins was today said to be mulling a bid for DIY chain Focus Wickes that could shoot it into the FTSE 100 Index.

The Northampton-based group, which sells materials including timber and plumbing and heating equipment to builders through 740 stores, has reportedly had its sights on the UK’s second biggest DIY chain for some time.