Rapidly growing independent merchant Huws Gray has acquired Shropshire Building Supplies for an undisclosed sum.

The Anglesey-headquartered business has added to its expanding portfolio the five Shropshire Building Supplies branches: Leebotwood, Newport, Ludlow, Shrewsbury (Battlefield) and Shrewsbury Plumbing Outlet. Shropshire Building Supplies was first established in 1977.

This acquisition makes a great addition to the existing Huws Gray branches in Shrewsbury, Telford and links up geographically with branches in other regions.

The recent acquisition is Huws Gray’s largest acquisition to date and takes the total number of Huws Gray branches to 53 and the number of employees to nearly 700, following six acquisitions in the last six months and 11 sites since September 2015.

Terry Owen, Huws Gray's managing director, said: "As a company we are always looking to move forward and this recent acquisition offers new challenges and exciting opportunities for everyone. We are extremely privileged to be in a situation to acquire such a well-respected independent merchant and we would like to thank Ian Beaver for his co-operation during this acquisition. We have known the family for a number of years and formed a great relationship. We’re delighted to have completed the deal and we’re looking forward to working with the existing teams at all five branches to help continue their success. The combined knowledge and experience of Shropshire Building Supplies and Huws Gray employees will benefit all our branches.”

Ian Beaver, SBS managing director, added: "This is the right time to hand over the reins of Shropshire Building Supplies to Huws Gray. Since 1977 we’ve built something very special in the area and we’re very proud. I would like to thank all the employees for their hard work over the years and wish them the continued success with Huws Gray. It was important for Shropshire Building Supplies to find a likeminded progressive business to acquire us and we are delighted to be able to secure a deal with Huws Gray who will take the company to the next level."