Our competitive advantage
Our objective is to become a leading European Distributor of building material and construction related products. Our primary focus is on European markets that offer long term structural growth due to shortage of new buildings and improvement needs of the existing built environment.
We aim to develop strong brands in each market segment with leading, defendable market positions or unique selling propositions that enables them to outperform the market.
We will continue to strengthen our positions in existing countries through organic development and selective acquisitions. In addition, Grafton will enter attractive new European countries by acquiring leading local distribution platforms, in fragmented market segments, enabling us to build strong, competitive positions through further organic development and bolt-on acquisitions. We will continue to focus on both, general and specialist distributors of building materials.
Grafton believes in the importance of trusted distribution brands in each market and operates an efficient, decentralised operating model where brands can continue to develop and focus on their specific customer needs.
Our lean central team is focused to add value on strategy, governance, performance management and subject matter expertise. We leverage our expert knowledge and best in class processes across the Group in Finance, IT, HR, Procurement, Corporate Development, Sustainability, and Internal Audit.
Strong local businesses with market leading positions
- In each market we operate in, we focus on developing trusted local brands with strong, defendable market positions
- Our customer service orientated culture and the scale and breadth of our operations create a competitive advantage in local markets
- We focus on fragmented markets with long-term underlying growth fundamentals that enable us to build market leading positions through organic and inorganic development
Acquisition and integration capability
- Track record of continuous improvement and organic development
- Experience in acquiring and successfully integrating businesses in multiple geographies
Operational strength and expertise
- Strong management teams and colleagues with the relevant skills and experience to deliver our strategy
Long-term drivers of growth
We operate in markets with structural long-term growth potential:
- Shortage of housing, pressure on rental markets and growing populations
- Need to improve the existing housing stock
- Need to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency
Strong financial base
- Financially robust with a strong balance sheet
- Strong cash generation
- Investment grade credit rating
- Disciplined approach to capital allocation
Based on half year results for the period ended 30 June 2024
