Following news the painting and decorating merchant PaintWell has entered administration, multiple sources now confirm that 38 stores have been acquired by Brewers Decorator Centres.
According to Companies House, PaintWell started the administration process on 3 February 2025. The business, formerly known as Bromborough Paints, had acquired Promain and Kent Blaxill (see additional note below) in 2022, following investment funding from Cairngorm Capital which began in 2021.
Reporting the acquisition by Brewers on 5 February, TheBusinessDesk.com explained that PaintWell had a portfolio of 44 branches across the UK and the move will save 200 jobs. A news release on the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) website, meanwhile, notes that Brewers has “expanded its operations with the acquisition of 38 Paintwell stores and industrial paint distributor Promain. The deal, completed on 4 February 2025, sees Brewers take over the trade and assets of both businesses from administrators Kroll.”
The communication continues: “Under the agreement, PaintWell stores will continue to operate under their existing brand name, as will Promain from its Hitchin site. Brewers is now working closely with the administrators to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining continuity for customers and suppliers alike.
“The acquisition follows PaintWell’s recent administration, with the deal being executed at speed. While the stores and websites remain operational under their current branding, Brewers will assess how these businesses fit within its wider network in the coming months.”
In addition, the BHETA report notes: “Brewers has clarified that it has not acquired PaintWell’s business as a whole, meaning any supplier agreements or outstanding matters before 4 February remain with Paintwell in administration.”
Significantly, the distinct Kent Blaxill Builders Merchant operation is entirely unaffected by this development. A post on the Kent Blaxill Builders Merchants LinkedIn page reads:
“Contrary to some reports within the industry Kent Blaxill Builders Merchants have NOT entered into administration, and still operate as part of the Independent Builders Merchant Group.
Our Builder’s Merchant Sites at Colchester and Bury St Edmunds, as well as our Kitchen, Bathroom, Plumbing and Heating Branch at Colchester remain unchanged.”
A post from IBMG reiterated:
“Kent Blaxill Builders Merchant Colchester & Bury St Edmunds – Business as usual
In June 2023, IBMG acquired the trade, assets, and brand of the two Kent Blaxill builders’ merchants but did not acquire the legal company, Kent,Blaxill & Co,Limited. The Colchester and Bury St Edmunds branches continue to operate under the Kent Blaxill brand but are legally part of Chandlers Building Supplies Limited.
We have recently been made aware that Kent,Blaxill & Co,Limited (company registration number 00083667), which trades as Paintwell, has gone into administration. However, this has no impact on our Colchester and Bury St Edmunds branches, as they are owned by Chandlers Building Supplies Limited, a subsidiary of IBMG . There are no changes for our colleagues, customers, or suppliers.
We wish the affected teams all the best.”
