Online bathroom retailer Plumbworld has been acquired by the Highbourne Group, parent company of brands including City Plumbing Supplies (CPS) and Plumbing Trade Supplies (PTS).

CEO of Highbourne Group Dave Evans

As the business’s second acquisition in the last two weeks, following its recent acquisition of PAB Systems, the Highbourne Group believes the decision will strengthen its e-commerce and direct-to-consumer retail offering.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Evesham, Plumbworld has over 160 employees which have served over 1.7m customers since its inception, providing bathroom, kitchen, plumbing and heating products.

Sponsored Video

Lauren Goodbrand of Kitchens International on winning the Kbsa Concept Designer Award 2024

The Highbourne Group believes the acquisition will complement the business’s existing portfolio, strengthening branch and online capabilities for trade customers, and giving domestic customers fast access to products.

In addition, Plumbworld’s experience and knowledge about the e-commerce sector will help the Highbourne Group to grow the online presence of its other brands.

Chief executive officer at The Highbourne Group Dave Evans said: “We are delighted to welcome Plumbworld into the Highbourne Group family of businesses and see Plumbworld as highly complementary to our existing customer propositions.

“James Hickman and the management team at Plumbworld have built the leading online bathroom retailer in the UK and I look forward to working with them to accelerate their growth initiatives.

“The acquisition of Plumbworld enables us to take our proven trade customer proposition and market leading supply chain to retail customers too – meaning that we can provide customers across the UK with even quicker access to what they need, when they need it.”

The Highbourne Group operates a network of 350 branches across the UK and Ireland with products mainly sold to trade customers, including local installers and larger contract accounts, through a multi-channel offering (retail pick-up through showrooms or trade counters, click & collect, delivery.

CEO and founder of Plumbworld James Hickman added: “The integration of Plumbworld into the Highbourne Group is an exciting new chapter for our business.

“The Highbourne Group are creating real momentum in the market and I see enormous potential for Plumbworld as part of that growth plan.”