Cowal Building and Plumbing Supplies has successfully acquired Catherwood Construction Materials in a deal that is said to strengthen both brands.
A member of the National Buying Group (NBG), Cowal is an established family-run business and known for its excellent product choice, availability and value across its four branches located in key areas along the West Coast of Scotland. The firm’s product offering will be complimented by Catherwood’s exceptional reputation and specialism within structural construction materials. Cowal will retain the Catherwood name and team, while investing in the business to enhance the skills of their employees and material assets.
This follows a similar strategy to that employed by Cowal in March 2017 when it acquired Reddance Building Supplies (Dalry) which, just prior to the outbreak of Covid-19, was on track to have doubled in size by the end of 2021 with the assistance provided by Cowal and NBG.
The three year period of investment by Cowal increased staff numbers and saw a boost to the drive and enthusiasm of staff, which they are hoping to replicate at Catherwood (East Kilbride).
Stewart Shaw Jr, Director at Cowal Building and Plumbing Supplies, said: “We’re ecstatic to have come to an agreement with Catherwood in such a short timeframe. This is a very exciting time for the group which will see us expand our existing business and welcome on board a highly reputable brand in Catherwood.
“It is great that they will now be a part of our family and will benefit from our membership of NBG and its community, gaining access to their invaluable zoom support sessions, messaging groups and events, including their virtual awards ceremony. We welcome Kevin Ellis (General Manager) and his team of Gayle, Bobby, John, Dougie, Mick and Andy to CBPS and look forward to the future, together.”
Cowal’s business-wide investment strategy includes staff, plant, stock and property improvements that will offer continued job stability to the Catherwood team and assist its work with customers by offering additional product ranges instantly via the NBG Supplier Network.
Although these negotiations were carried out during the pandemic, both parties moved quickly and ensured Covid-safe procedures were adhered to throughout with a total of only three meetings including the final stock check, which was carried out by only the directors to minimise the number of people involved and keep staff as safe as possible.
Kevin Ellis, General Manager at Catherwood, said: “We believe the two businesses will complement each other very well and we are looking forward to seeing how the company develops in both the immediate and long-term future. This acquisition will also see us become part of the NBG community and we eagerly anticipate getting to know the NBG team and starting to experience the benefits of being a Partner.”
Managing Director at NBG, Nick Oates, said: “It is great to see NBG Partners thriving and continuing to expand, despite the challenges experienced in recent times. NBG have continued to provide support for all of our Partners and Suppliers throughout the pandemic and it is my pleasure to welcome Catherwood and their staff into the NBG community. There are exciting times ahead for Cowal, Reddance and Catherwood, their customers and their staff. This is a fantastic way to start the year and I have no doubt this acquisition will prove a great benefit for the customers of the businesses involved.”
