Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The administrators of stricken civils and heavyside builders merchant chain WTB Trading – formerly known as Burdens – have sold a further five branches.
The remaining branches will continue to operate as a going concern while a buyer is sought.
Philip Duffy, Steve Clancy and David Whitehouse of leading Duff & Phelps were appointed at the end of November. WTB Trading sold 22 branches to Wolseley UK in October.
The branches that have been sold are:
It has already been announced that independent regional chain Bradfords have bought the former Burdens depots at Dorchester and Cinderford .
All employees have been transferred to the respective purchasers under the TUPE regulations.
Duffy said: “The Burdens brand is well known and affiliated with quality with a strong established client base. We are delighted that this has proved to be attractive for a number of buyers ensuring the successful sale of the depots so far, thus preserving the business and jobs.
“There is interest expressed in the remaining branches which we will continue to trade as a going concern whilst we continue discussions with those parties considering acquiring some, or all of the remaining branches.”
WTB Trading Ltd is the main trading arm of the Burdens Group. In addition to this appointment, the Administrators were also appointed over WTB Group Ltd on the 27th November 2012.
The company had a turnover of more than £250m with over 750 employees based out of 38 branches throughout the UK prior to the sale of the 22 branches to Wolseley plc in October 2012.
