Builders merchants acquisition expansion

Skipton builders merchants Merritt & Fryers Ltd. have acquired Briggs & Duxbury in Barnoldswick in a positive development for both long-established family firms.

The good news comes at a timely moment for the Barnoldswick community which has been rocked by the decision of Rolls-Royce to pull out of the East Lancashire town. Rachel Fryers, a spokesperson for Merritt & Fryers, explains “We are delighted to be bringing our two firms together under the Merritt & Fryers brand at this time. We plan to retain jobs for all the existing staff and will be looking to develop the business further.”

Established in 1909, Briggs & Duxbury history has remarkable parallels with that of Merritt & Fryers. Both firms started out as builders and funeral directors before becoming builders merchants. The funeral directors division of Briggs & Duxbury will remain under that name, with the builders merchants business re-branded to Merritt & Fryers Limited over the coming months in a gradual integration.

Mark Brennand of Briggs & Duxbury said “We share the same values and background as family businesses with expertise and customer service central to our success, so we are confident that this transition is a great opportunity and definitely great news for our employees and the Barnoldswick community”.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, represents a key step in Merritt & Fryers consolidating its reputation in the Craven area by extending its footprint into Lancashire. Rachel Fryers, a Pendle resident explains “We are looking forward to working with the professional tradesman, DIYers and general public in the area and extending our larger product offering to them.”