IAL completes Trade acquisition
International Applications (IAL), the Oxfordshire-based coatings and consumables supply chain specialists, has completed its acquisition of the Trade Group and Trade Automotive Supplies Ltd.
The Trade Group is the largest bespoke network of independent refinish distributors in the UK, supplying a comprehensive selection of paint and consumables brands, and its own T-Euro range, to over 100 nationwide depots.
‘We have been shareholders of Trade Group since 2012 and have given strategic, warehousing and operational support which has helped the business to build influence and sales within the UK market,’ said IAL managing director, Llewelyn Mulder.
‘Trade Group has operated from our national distribution centre since 2013 and in that time we’ve been in the perfect place to appreciate the significance of their proposition. The independent distribution sector is a vital part of the refinish industry and we are delighted to be able to promote and support it by investing in new initiatives which will bring greater joined-up efficiencies, even better service levels and an unrivalled choice of manufacturer ranges.’
Robin Cook, executive director of the Trade Group, said, ‘The acquisition is a significant moment for the Trade Group. It’s a very positive move which will put us in a strong position to develop the business in the years to come.’
International Applications specialises in centralised procurement and distribution of coatings and consumables, offering managed access to the refinish market and to OEM, commercial and industrial customer bases through dedicated distribution channels.
The company is a three-time member of the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 and part of the DAC group of companies which includes ITAS, a bodyshop technology and training company; Kanye Vimba, which supplies automotive products throughout Africa, and Super7 Wholesale, a global FMCG business.
