Samantha Hornsby

United Merchants plc

NMBS and Unimer announced their agreement to create a super group for independent merchants in 2014. The agreement came into effect on 1 February 2014, the combined businesses have a turnover in excess of £1bn and more than 1,000 members and 600 suppliers. As part of the arrangements, Unimer ceased trading in 2014 and independent merchant members were offered membership of NMBS by way of immediate or deferred terms. NMBS Chairman, Tim Allen said, ‘' NMBS is delighted by this agreement which represents a quantum leap forward for the Independent Builders Merchants sector. Undoubtedly it will deliver hitherto unseen scale to all stakeholders and it will provide our members with the advantage they need to compete more effectively with their National rivals on a daily basis.'' Unimer Chairman Leo Martin said, "This transaction will enable substantial cost savings to be made within the existing supply chain to enhance the competitive position of both merchants and their suppliers. We are delighted that the NMBS board has worked with us to ensure that this vision has become a reality and the directors of both companies will now work together to advance the interests of the independent merchant." Unimer MD Howard Grant has stated his intention to retire from full time business but he remained to partially oversee the wind down of the existing Unimer operation. Chris Hayward, MD of NMBS commented, "Together NMBS & Unimer will become a powerhouse for selling into and dealing with the independent merchant sector. It will provide significant additional resources that can be deployed to create real added value for both our members and suppliers.'' Unimer (United Merchants plc) was the UK largest and leading ‘invoice clearing house' for the building products industry.