Centurion Europe, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of tools, hardware and DIY products, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the business of one of the best known names in door plaques.
In a move that will see the Doncaster-based company expand its range even further, Centurion Europe has acquired the stock, distributor network and customer base of Initial Monogram House Name Plaque Sign Systems, based in Watford. They have not acquired Initial Memorials which will continue normal business from it’s Watford base.
Centurion Europe Chairman John Scarrow said: “Our first priority with any acquisition is to ensure we achieve a strategic fit with our existing business and add value to our customers. This acquisition met both these criteria because it is the market leader and we have an established network of distributors, agents and customers and a potential ready market for these products. This is a very exciting acquisition for our company, which will enable us to expand our product portfolio even further to become one of the largest suppliers of door plaques in the country.”
The Directors of Initial Monogram House Name Plaque Sign Systems approached Centurion Europe, which had been one of its customer since May this year, to offer the opportunity to buy the business. The company currently supplies through garden centres and independent hardware stores and Centurion Europe, with its extensive national distributor network and international agents, saw huge potential to expand this further into the merchant and DIY sectors across the UK, Eire and the rest of Europe.
John Scarrow continues: “The company has a strong reputation within the market, which has been built up over 20 years of supplying high quality products. With the benefit of our UK and Europe-wide distributor network, this will mean we can increase our business of personalised door plaque products with our existing customers, whilst continuing to supply high quality products which are backed by a first class service.”
Centurion Europe currently offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of tools, hardware and DIY products, with over 25,000 lines, many of which are new, including a full range of ironmongery, hand tools, hardware, security products, plumbing, electrical, gardening products and signs.
As part of its support to merchants, Centurion Europe offers a full merchandising support programme, which includes designing and manufacturing point of sale items, bespoke merchandising units and essentials, such as banners and posters. The company has also recently introduced an e-commerce facility to its website, to make ordering even quicker and simpler.
Centurion Europe has been supplying merchants and independent retailers for over 30 years. The company’s 2010 catalogue contains full colour product images and a simple ordering system, making selection easy for customers. The catalogue is backed up by the company’s exceptional customer service commitment, which means all stock items can be delivered within 48 hours.
Centurion Europe prides itself on its 97 per cent-plus stock availability, delivery service within 48 hours and excellent customer service.
Centurion Europe has extensive facilities, including an 80,000 sq.ft. distribution centre in Doncaster and a national network of representatives who can provide merchandising and sales support.