Joint buying

Having decided to merge their buying functions, two Irish builders’ merchant and DIY retail groups, Associated Hardware and National Hardware, have set up a joint procurement company called United Hardware. This will manage an annual buying volume of € 300 mio for the 150 affiliated member companies. Associated Hardware numbers 65 members, who operate their stores under the Homevalue brand name. National Hardware has 78 stores, of which 39 are run under the Arro banner.