Grafton Merchanting has announced the acquisition of Corgi-direct, an online shop selling a wide range of products for plumbing and heating tradesmen.
The business, which employs five staff and is based at Chineham Park, near Basingstoke, will continue to trade as Corgi-direct. Grafton Merchanting has appointed Clare Barrett as general manager of the newly-acquired business.

"The Corgi name is synonymous with trust, quality and safety and is universally recognised," said Grafton Merchanting managing director Kevin Middleton. "This is a natural extension of our business portfolio and will complement our existing brands. Online sales are one of the fastest growing sectors and this is an exciting opportunity to tap into it."

Corgi was originally formed in the 1970s to support the Gas Safe Register on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive. It developed a new division called Corgi-direct in 2005 to sell forms and publications, and today sells additional products such as work clothing, tools, equipment and chemicals.