Tiling and tiling accessories supplier Q.E.P. Co. U.K. Limited completed the purchase of the Plasplugs trade name and other assets of the Plasplugs business on Friday, June 21.
Fixings and tool manufacturer Plasplugs is QEP's second major acquisition in the UK this year, after the firm bought Homelux back in March. Both brands complement QEP's existing portfolio, which includes Vitrex, Roberts & PRCI within the flooring and tile accessory categories.

Founded in the early 1970's by Stuart Turner, and with the launch of the general purpose wall plug - the first plastic plug to sell effectively in the marketplace - the UK manufacturer was hit hard by the recession, falling into administration in 2009. It was soon resurrected by Mr Turner and his son Neale and, although it still manufactures fixings, the company has extended its product portfolio to include fasteners, sharpeners, tiling tools, knives, abrasives, electrical products and power tools.

CEO of European Operations for QEP, Paul Boyce, who worked at Plasplugs for 17 years before joining QEP, said: "This acquisition is key to both our growth and diversification strategies. From a growth perspective, the purchase is in line with our strategy of complementing our organic growth by completing selected strategic acquisitions, of which Plasplugs is the sixth since the beginning of 2012. As part of QEP's continuing expansion, the integration of Plasplugs will leverage our business growth to our existing customers in the UK and Europe, let alone worldwide. The Plasplugs brand is very close to a lot of hearts within the organisation already, and this new integration will only leverage QEP's business growth further."