Victorian Plumbing proposes closure of Victoria Plum business

Online bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing is proposing the closure of the Victoria Plum business, which it bought for £22.5million in May 2024.

16 Aug, 24

Online bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing is proposing the closure of the Victoria Plum business, which it bought for £22.5million in May 2024.

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A statement from Victorian Plumbing read: “Following the acquisition of AHK Designs Ltd, we are proposing a closure plan for VictoriaPlum.com.

“As a result we have entered into a consultation period with a number of VictoriaPlum.com colleagues and only when the period completes can we provide an update.

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“We are committed to keeping all employees, suppliers and connected parties up to date as we progress with the consultation. This proposal does not impact Victorian Plumbing Ltd.”

Victoria Plum had already been through administration, with AHK Designs Ltd securing all assets, including 345 jobs

Victorian Plumbing then bought Doncaster-headquarted Victoria Plum from AHK Designs Ltd.

It is unknown how many staff will be affected by the consultation.

At the time of acquisition,  CEO of Victorian Plumbing Mark Radcliffe stated: “This acquisition represents another exciting strategic milestone for the company and, together with the investment in our new distribution centre, provides a unique opportunity to deliver increased shareholder return.”

Victorian Plumbing announced “robust” first half year results for 2024, despite flat sales on a like-for-like basis, and reported a revenue of £144.6million but with a gross profit increase of 8% to £72.3million.

Adjusted EDITA saw a growth of 33%, up to £13.2million against £9.9.million, in the first half of 2023.

In its first half year results, it reported the Victoria Plum cost reduction programme was being finalised.

Victorian Plumbing reported losses from the Victoria Plum business would have a marginal impact on Group profitability in its second half results 2024, with adjusted EBITDA “broadly” in line with current consensus in 2024.