Decorative paint manufacturer Crown strengthens its store network with the acquisition of Yorkshire-based merchant, Newland Paint Supplies.
The acquisition was funded entirely by Crown Paints, and is expected to add turnover in excess of £1m.

It also adds a further five stores to the Crown Decorating Centre network, taking the total number of sites across the UK and Eire to 134. In accordance with the deal, Newland will continue to trade under its own name as part of the Crown Paints Group.

Newland was founded in 1985 and operates five branches across Yorkshire - in Bridlington, Harrogate, Hull, Scunthorpe and York. The paint merchant specialises in the supply of paints and decorative materials to both trade and retail customers.

A major stockist of Crown's paint and woodstain products, Newland also offers a variety of wallpapers, brushes, tools and other sundries, as well as a limited selection of other paint brands.

Crown Paints chief executive Brian Davidson said: "The acquisition of Newland Paint Supplies fits with our growth strategy and will add significantly to our top line, while bringing into the Crown Decorating Centre network five new stores and a number of highly experienced staff.

"Over the last 12 months, we have invested significantly in our stores in order to meet growing demand from both our trade and retail customers. We continue to invest in the Crown Decorating Centre network with plans to add a further four stores by the end of 2011, which will take the total to 138."