24.6.2021

Grafton Group – Acquisition of IKH

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We advised international building materials distributor and DIY retailer Grafton Group plc in its acquisition of Finnish Isojoen Konehalli Oy and Jokapaikka Oy (IKH). IKH is one of the largest workwear and personal protective equipment, tools, spare parts and accessories technical wholesalers and distributors in Finland.

The consideration payable for IKH is EUR 199.3 million on a cash and debt-free basis.

‘The acquisition of IKH is an exciting development that gives Grafton a presence in Finland for the first time and broadens its market position. It will also strengthen the group’s operations in the mainland European market in line with our international development strategy. IKH is a high-quality business with a strong market position and an experienced management team that provides Grafton with a new growth platform in the Nordic Region. We look forward to welcoming the IKH management team and their colleagues to Grafton’, Gavin Slark, CEO of Grafton, comments.

Our team, which includes members from several practice areas, advised Grafton in all legal aspects of the acquisition and negotiating the entire transaction documentation.

Grafton Group plc is an international distributor of building materials to trade customers and has leading regional or national positions in the merchanting markets in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Grafton trades from circa 550 branches and has circa 11,000 colleagues. Headquarters are located in Dublin, Ireland. Grafton is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

IKH, a family owned business founded in 1956 and originally focused on agricultural spares and machinery, has approximately 400 employees and is headquartered in Kauhajoki, where its well-invested distribution and logistics centre is located. IKH is currently developing a market presence in Sweden and Estonia.

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