Woodie’s owner Grafton has no focus on UK rival

Building materials business and Woodie’s DIY owner Grafton Group is understood not to be interested in any assets being put up for sale by its UK rival Travis Perkins. Travis Perkins, the UK’s largest building materials group, plans to sell its plumbing and heating division, and said it could divest its Wickes home improvement chain in the future.

The group, which operates over 20 brands, said in a strategy update that it would simplify its structure and streamline its cost base, concentrate more on its trade businesses, and improve the performance of consumer-focused Wickes.