Grafton Group buys Dublin-based ironmongery supplier Proline

Building materials distributor Grafton Group has agreed to acquire Dublin-based Proline Architectural Hardware, it announced on Tuesday, which it described as a “leading distributor” of architectural ironmongery products for doors.

The FTSE 250 company said completion remained subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland.

It said Proline reported revenue of €10.8m (£9.8m) in 2019.

Proline specialises in the supply of a range of traditional and contemporary architectural ironmongery products including door locks, hinges and handles.

Grafton said Proline's product range and expertise allowed joinery manufacturers, contractors and trade customers to source ironmongery products from a single source.

The business worked with architects on the specification and scheduling of ironmongery products for commercial, public sector and residential projects, and continually developed its product ranges to ensure customers benefited from “the very latest” solutions.

“Proline will bring specialist expertise to Grafton in the architectural ironmongery distribution segment in Ireland,” said Grafton chief executive officer Gavin Slark.

“It will also enable us to offer a broader range of products and services and to extend our customer base in this segment of the market.

“The acquisition of Proline is in line with our strategy of acquiring specialist high quality businesses that trade in complementary markets.”

At 0800 GMT, shares in Grafton Group were up 0.83% at 916p.