Wolseley Uk Powers Ahead With Acquisition Of Ac Electrical

Wolseley UK has announced its acquisition of AC Electrical Wholesale plc.

AC Electrical, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing independent electrical distributors, has 40 branches, located primarily in southern and central England, and employs some 350 staff. AC Electrical’s senior managers, John Kelly, Stewart

Hodges, David Bell and Richard Rose, will remain with the business.

Wolseley UK’s acquisition of AC Electrical is in line with its intention of becoming a leading nationwide distributor of electrical products, which was announced when Wolseley acquired electrical and plumbing distributor William Wilson in October 2005.

This acquisition means that Wolseley UK now has two electrical businesses with a combined turnover of more than £100m, from 66 branches, making Wolseley the fifth largest UK distributor of electrical products.

Wolseley UK will be moving to one national identity for the combined businesses over a period of time, to be called Electric Center, which will be one of its core brands.

With William Wilson’s electrical branches located mainly in Scotland and northern England, the acquisition of AC Electrical gives Wolseley nationwide coverage in this market.

Wolseley UK managing director Adrian Barden commented: "This acquisition demonstrates Wolseley's robust intent to be a major player in the electrical distribution sector. AC Electrical is highly respected in the electrical market, and provides a platform for further dynamic expansion. We want to move swiftly to become one of the three largest distributors, with a double-digit market share.