Grafton Group plc is an independent, profit growth oriented company operating primarily in the Merchanting, DIY Retailing and Mortar Manufacturing markets in Britain and Ireland.

Grafton’s strategy is to build on its strong market positions in Merchanting, DIY Retailing and Mortar Manufacturing, to develop in related markets and to grow in businesses with which it is familiar.

The Merchanting segment operates from 522 builders and plumbers merchanting branches. It trades under the Buildbase, Plumbase, Jackson and Selco brands in Britain and under the Heiton Buckley, Chadwicks and Macnaughton Blair brands in Ireland. These brands have leading national and regional market positions. In Britain, Grafton operates the third largest builders merchanting business and is among the top five plumbers merchanting businesses. The Merchanting segment also operates the largest merchanting business in Ireland. The network of merchanting branches mainly supply trade customers engaged in residential, repair, maintenance and improvement projects.

The Retailing segment incorporates the largest DIY retailing business in Ireland, trading nationally from 41 stores under the Woodie’s DIY and Atlantic Homecare brands, and a seven store kitchens business that trades under the In-House and Panelling Centre brands.

The Manufacturing segment comprises the largest dry mortar business in Britain where it operates from nine plants and also includes the manufacture of mortar, plastics and windows in Ireland.

Grafton Group plc has strong national and regional market positions in the Merchanting, DIY Retailing and Mortar Manufacturing markets in Britain and Ireland. In 2009, sixty eight per cent of Group turnover was generated in the UK. The market sectors that Grafton operates within offer attractive growth prospects, with potential to earn above average returns on capital invested.

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