United Hardware completes multimillion euro deal for Expert Hardware

Paul Candon, United Hardware chief executive with Expert Hardware chair David Baker. United Hardware which operates the Homevalue retail brand, completed a multimillion euro acquisition of Expert Hardware on Friday. Picture: Fintan Clarke/Coalesce

United Hardware, the builders' merchants buying group which operates the Homevalue retail brand, has completed a multimillion euro acquisition of Expert Hardware.

The deal was announced on Friday following clearance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Expert Hardware operates through a network of independently owned stores located throughout Ireland, including stores in Carrigtwohill and Bantry in Cork, Sneem and Waterville in Kerry, in Clonmel and Templemore in Tipperary, and four in Clare, and 16 in Dublin.

United Hardware is Ireland's largest buying and marketing group for builders’ merchants. The acquisition adds 51 stores to the United Hardware network - bringing the total to almost 200 stores nationwide - generating annual retail turnover in excess of €500m. It represents United Hardware’s strategic move into the community and convenience DIY sector, complementing its existing strength in the larger DIY, builders’ merchant and home improvement market through the Homevalue brand.

United Hardware chief executive Paul Candon confirmed that both the Homevalue and Expert Hardware brands will continue to operate independently. Mr Candan expects the Hardware brand and network to expand to more than 80 stores by 2030.

“Expert Hardware is a highly respected and well-established brand with strong local roots and highly entrepreneurial members. From the outset, our focus has been on creating a stronger future together while preserving the identity, independence and community connection that makes both organisations successful," said Mr Candon.

“By bringing the two groups together, we are strengthening our ability to invest in our members through improved buying scale, technology, marketing, retail support and brand development, while ensuring both the Homevalue and Expert Hardware brands continue to evolve and grow in their own markets. We believe this transaction positions the enlarged Group exceptionally well for the future and further strengthens independent Irish-owned hardware retailing at a time of significant change within the sector.”