Woodies' owner announces acquisition of Cork timber frame firm

Cygnum's facility in Macroom, Co. Cork.

Woodies and Chadwicks-owner Grafton Group has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Cork-based timber frame provider Cygnum Holdings Limited.

Founded in 1997 and based in Macroom, Co. Cork, Cygnum is a made-to-order supplier of offsite timber frame solutions to developers and contractors in the Irish market. In its 2025 financial year, it generated €45.6m in revenue and €7.9m in adjusted operating profit.

The acquisition is still subject to approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland. The existing management team will remain with the business.

The Grafton group intends to operate Cygnum as part of Chadwicks Group. It operates 64 branches in the Republic of Ireland.

Other companies under the Chadwicks Group include; The Panelling Centre; Davies; Cork Builders Providers; Heiton Steel; Telfords; Proline; Sitetech; and HSS Hire Ireland brands.

“This acquisition aligns with Chadwicks Group’s strategy to extend its offering and acquire adjacent competencies and allows Chadwicks to continue to be a one-stop shop for customers as they adopt modern methods of construction,” Grafton Group said.

Given the need for more housing in Ireland, Grafton Group said “modular construction is one of the fastest growing building methods in the new homes market in Ireland” and for this reason Cygnum is “an exciting addition” to its portfolio in the Island of Ireland segment.

Chief executive of the Grafton Group Eric Born said this acquisition “strongly complements Chadwicks Group’s trade portfolio and supports the faster, more efficient delivery of new homes to help address Ireland’s structural housing shortage”.

“For Grafton, it provides an opportunity to increase our exposure to the new-build market and to support Cygnum customers with access to a broader range of construction related products and solutions.”

Managing director of Cygnum John Desmond said “We have built a strong and loyal customer base by consistently delivering high-quality timber frame solutions”.

John Desmond, Managing Director, Cygnum: 'Chadwicks gives us the backing, scale, and strategic support to accelerate our growth'

“Becoming part of Chadwicks Group gives us the backing, scale, and strategic support to accelerate our growth, while maintaining the service levels and relationships our customers value.”

The Grafton Group operates across Europe including companies such as Selco in the UK, Isero in the Netherlands, and Salvador Escoda in Spain. It has 470 branches in total and employees around 10,000 people.