![Gunjal Patel | Director | M&A Advisory | Kroll London Gunjal Patel](https://media-cdn.kroll.com/jssmedia/kroll-images/headshots/gunjal-patel.png?h=160&iar=0&w=140&mw=384)
In February 2018, it was announced that Leyland SDM, London’s largest independent specialist decorators’ merchant, would be acquired by Grafton Group plc (“Grafton”), an international distributor of building materials, for a total consideration of £82.4 million.
Duff & Phelps served as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders' of Leyland SDM with respect to the transaction. In order to deliver the shareholders objectives, the team worked closely with Leyland SDM, preparing the business for sale and devising a bespoke and targeted global M&A sale process focused on leading building material and DIY companies.
Andrew Urban, majority shareholder, commented: "On behalf of the shareholders, we would like to thank Duff & Phelps for the fantastic job that they have done. They have expertly guided us through this whole process and the value-added advice that they have given us throughout has been significant."
Paul Haslam, CEO of Leyland SDM, said: "The process run by Duff & Phelps has been highly successful and we are very much looking forward to being part of the Grafton family. We are delighted with the outcome of the process and thank you to the Duff & Phelps team for guiding us through to successful completion."
Henry Wells, managing director at Duff & Phelps, noted: "We are delighted to have advised Leyland SDM on this highly successful transaction. Leyland SDM is unique in the London market and we are sure that the business will continue to flourish under Grafton's ownership."
About Leyland SDM
Leyland SDM is regarded as one of the most recognizable and trusted decorating and DIY brands in Central London, selling paint, tools, ironmongery and accessories to trade and retail customers. With a unique portfolio of 21 convenience-led and predominantly high street stores, situated in some of London’s most prominent locations, Leyland SDM generated revenue and underlying EBITA of £47.8 million and £7.3 million, respectively, for the year ended 31 December 2017.
About Grafton Group plc
Grafton Group 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, the Netherlands and Belgium. Grafton is also the market leader in the DIY retailing market in Ireland and is the largest manufacturer of dry mortar in the UK. Grafton trades from circa 670 branches and has circa 13,000 employees. Its portfolio of brands includes Selco, Buildbase, Plumbase, MacBlair and CPI EuroMix in the UK; Chadwicks, Heiton Buckley and Woodie’s in Ireland; Isero and Gunters en Meuser in the Netherlands, and YouBuild and MPRO in Belgium.
M&A advisory, restructuring and insolvency, debt advisory, strategic alternatives, transaction diligence and independent financial opinions.
Kroll’s investment banking practice has extensive experience in M&A deal strategy and structuring, capital raising, transaction advisory services and financial sponsor coverage.