Lords Group acquires online retailer CMO in strategic move

LONDON - Lords Group Trading (LON:LORD) plc, a prominent UK distributor of building materials, has announced the acquisition of the trade and assets of CMO Group (LON:CMOC) Limited, the UK’s leading online-only retailer of construction products. This move comes following CMO’s entry into pre-pack administration, a restructuring process aimed at selling a company’s assets before appointing administrators.

The acquisition is a strategic effort by Lords to integrate CMO’s robust digital platform and its expertise in e-commerce into its own infrastructure. CMO, which operates under the name Construction Materials Online, has established itself as a disruptive force in the construction materials distribution sector, offering over 140,000 products through its online superstore websites.

Dean Murray, CEO of CMO, expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter under Lords’ ownership, highlighting the digital business’s growth over the past 15 years and the shared ambitions with Lords. Shanker Patel, CEO of Lords, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the complementary strengths of both companies and the potential for enhanced digital capabilities in traditional merchanting.

The acquisition, which has implications for various stakeholders, including creditors and suppliers, was carefully managed with legal and financial advisers to preserve business continuity and employment. Lords has committed to a respectful transition and is actively engaging with customers, suppliers, and partners to ensure stability and alignment post-acquisition.

The deal marks a significant step for Lords in its continued focus on growth, diversification, and digital innovation within the construction materials distribution industry. It also signifies a commitment to maintaining operations and employment, as approximately 120 CMO colleagues will join the Lords Group.

The integration of CMO’s digital-first approach with Lords’ merchanting expertise is expected to create a robust platform for serving both homeowners and trade professionals. The companies are working to ensure that all trading activities continue seamlessly under the new ownership structure.

This acquisition is based on a press release statement from Lords Group Trading plc.

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