Wickes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wickes | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Type | Subsidiary |
| Founded | 1972: First Store opened in UK 1987: Flotation on London Stock Exchange 2005: Taken Over by Travis Perkins |
| Headquarters | Northampton, United Kingdom |
| Area served | United Kingdom |
| Industry | Retail |
| Products | DIY Home Improvement Garden Supplies |
| Parent | Travis Perkins plc |
| Website | www.wickes.co.uk |
Wickes is a UK DIY retailer owned by Travis Perkins with 183 stores throughout the country. It focuses on building materials and supplies for the public and trade.
[edit] History
Wickes was founded by Henry Dunn Wickes in Michigan, USA in 1854 and in 1972 Wickes Corporation along with British builders merchant, Sankeys opened its first store in the UK. By 1987 Wickes was trading from 41 locations and was floated on the London Stock Exchange.
In September 2000, Wickes was acquired by the Focus Group[1] and grew from 131 in October 2000 to 172 in March 2004, including the re-branding of 36 Focus stores. Focus Group sold Wickes to Travis Perkins in 2005[2].
In late 2007 Wickes accquired 7 stores from Focus DIY after it was taken over in June 2007 by Cerberus Capital for £1[3], these stores were; Glossop, Mansfield, Penrith, Bulwell, Plumstead, Dumfries and Hereford.
[edit] Future
Wickes is planning to expand into the Irish market in 2008, with its first Irish store expected to open in Limerick City in June[citation needed].
