Coventry-based tool distributor Buck & Hickman has been acquired from owner Travis Perkins by industrial distribution group Brammer for £27.6m.
Buck & Hickman was acquired by the BSS Group in April 2007 before becoming part of Travis Perkins following that company's acquisition of BSS in December 2010.

The company offers more than 60,000 branded and unbranded products, including hand and power tools, health and safety and personal protective equipment, with just under 14,000 of those coming under its 'Roebuck' brand. It operates from 28 branches nationwide and has a 90,000sq ft national distribution centre in Coventry.

In the year to March 31, 2011, Buck & Hickman generated revenues of £94.8m, and adjusted EBITDA of £1.9m. Revenue and adjusted EBITDA for the 12 months to December 31, 2011, are forecast by the company's management to be approximately £105m and £3.2m respectively.

Brammer says the acquisition will give it a top five presence in the UK tools and general maintenance market, which it estimates to be worth approximately £2.2bn per year. Brammer ceo Ian Fraser said: "We look forward to working alongside Buck & Hickman's highly experienced and knowledgeable team. I am confident that together we can drive the business forward and that Brammer will be a stronger group as a result."