Building supplies giant’s plan to hive off UK arm

PLUMBING and building supplies giant Ferguson has announced plans to break up and create a separate UK business to house Warwick-based Wolseley as its group chief executive steps down.

The US firm said it would split off its UK operations following a lengthy strategic review of the group.

The new business will be able to “focus exclusively on customers in the UK market” while the remaining Ferguson business will primarily serve North America.

Ferguson said Wolseley UK would be an independently listed business,

adding that the board was considering the “most appropriate listing structure” for the group going forward.

Recently, the company’s UK division has struggled in difficult market conditions, posting lower revenues, as it axed branches and quit its unprofitable wholesale business.

Ferguson also confirmed this week that chief executive John Martin would leave the company in November following nine years on the board.

Mr Martin had overseen the strengthening and simplification of the firm during his time and had substantially improved its market positions and generated excellent returns for shareholders, the company said.

He will be replaced in the role by the current chief executive of Ferguson’s US operations, Kevin Murphy, who has been at the firm for 20 years.

Mr Martin said: “The demerger will enable both Wolseley UK and Ferguson to focus on accelerating the execution of their independent plans, providing clear investment propositions for each business.

“Wolseley UK has a strong market position, leading customer propositions and an experienced management team with significant opportunities for development in the large and fragmented plumbing, heating and infrastructure markets.

“Ferguson will continue to execute its successful strategy, building on a strong track record of profitable growth, market out-performance and generating attractive returns for shareholders.”

Gareth Davis, chairman of Ferguson, added: “John’s contribution to Ferguson over nearly ten years has been outstanding as is evident from the market-leading positions of our businesses, the strength of our management team and the excellent financial performance of the business over that period.

“He leaves the business in great shape and I would like to thank him for the significant contribution he has made to Ferguson.”