Manchester builders merchant Benchmark Building Supplies has become part of Saint Gobain’s Local Mrchant Group, following its acquisition.

Founded in 1996, the independent builders’ merchant employs 59 people and trades from six locations around the M60 in Greater Manchester.

Phill Brown, chairman of Benchmark Building Supplies, said: “This has been a process that I have personally been involved with and is great news for customers and our employees. Saint-Gobain has a proud and successful heritage in the industry and I have been very impressed with their commitment to retain all that has made Benchmark a thriving builders’ merchant in the North West.” Benchmark Building Supplies was a member of TBG, the Timber Buying Group.

Mark Rayfield, chief executive officer of the Saint-Gobain Building Distribution businesses in the UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Benchmark Building Supplies and welcome our new colleagues on board. This is our second acquisition in 2016, which demonstrates that despite uncertainty in the market following the recent referendum result, we are proactively seeking opportunities to continue to expand our network, providing customers with greater choice and availability. I’m proud to say that this has been possible due to our confidence in our business model and our people.”

Neil Lawrence, managing director of the Local Merchant Group,said: “The business is very much embedded in the local community, making it a great fit for the Local Merchant Group. It’s great news for customers and employees as Benchmark will continue to provide the excellent service for which it is renowned, while accessing a wider range of services and opportunities available through Saint-Gobain.”