Carpetright plc, a European carpet and floor coverings retailer, has expanded its presence in the UK and the Netherlands with the acquisitions of Melford Commercial Properties and Ben de Graaff Tapijt.

Carpetright plc, a European carpet and floor coverings retailer, has expanded its presence in the UK and the Netherlands with the acquisitions of Melford Commercial Properties and Ben de Graaff Tapijt.

Melford Commercial Properties, the parent company of Carpetworld Manchester, is being acquired from Jensen Group of Denmark for £7.2 million in cash. Carpetright is to assume £7.8 million of the net debt of the northwest-based floor covering retailer.

Carpetright has also agreed to buy Ben de Graaff Tapijt, a retailer of floor coverings and curtains/blinds based in the south of Holland for €8 million (£6.3 million) in cash, half of which is in respect of inventories. The acquisition is expected to complete on 30 June 2008.

Commenting on the acquisitions, Lord Harris of Peckham, chairman and chief executive of Carpetright, said: “The acquisition of Melford gives us a good presence in the northwest of England, an area where we are not currently well represented. It is intended that Carpetworld stores will ultimately trade under the Carpetright or Storeys retail brands.

“Ben de Graaff is a similarly established business, with a strong position in its local market. Once completed, this acquisition will further improve our presence and service offering in the Netherlands.”