Lords Group Trading plc has announced the acquisition of the “trade and assets” of CMO Group following a pre-pack administration process.
The acquisition* brings together Lords’ infrastructure and merchanting expertise with CMO’s digital-first online model, reflecting its “continued focus on growth, diversification, and digital innovation in the construction materials distribution sector.” The total cash consideration payable of £1.8 million will result in Lords acquiring a property valued at £1.2 million.
Founded in 2008 as Construction Materials Online, CMO has “built a market-leading e-commerce platform serving homeowners and trade professionals through a suite of specialist superstore websites.” With over 140,000 listed products and “a unique hybrid approach combining online convenience with expert technical support, CMO has brought true disruption to a traditionally offline industry.”
Lords “acknowledges that the events leading to the acquisition have had an impact on a number of stakeholders, including creditors and suppliers” and states that “the pre-pack administration process was undertaken with careful consideration and in close coordination with legal and financial advisers, with the intention of preserving as much business continuity, employment, and value as possible.” Approximately 120 colleagues who will now join the Group.
Dean Murray, CEO of CMO, said: “The Acquisition marks a new and exciting chapter for CMO. We have built a strong, digitally-led business over the past 15 years, and in Lords we have found a partner that not only understands our model but shares our ambition. I am incredibly proud of what the CMO team has achieved and excited about what is next.”
Shanker Patel, CEO of Lords, said: “We are delighted to welcome CMO into the Lords family. CMO brings a well-established digital platform, strong customer reach, and a specialist product-led approach that complements our own. This partnership allows us to blend traditional merchanting strengths with cutting-edge digital capabilities.
“We are also mindful of the impact of the pre-pack administration process on affected parties and are committed to conducting the transition with respect. Our focus now is on ensuring a stable and successful future for the CMO business and all its stakeholders.”
The Lords statement added that “all trading activity continues under the new ownership without interruption. Customers, suppliers, and partners are being contacted directly to ensure continuity and alignment.”
*The trade and assets of CMO subject to the acquisition exclude the ‘Tiles’ business formerly owned by CMO Group Limited, which generated revenue in the year ended 31 December 2024 of c.£52 million.
