NATIONAL builders merchant Builder Center has acquired regional builders Atkinson, taking control of its 11 branches across the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Builder Center is a division of Wolseley Centers, based at Ripon and is a leading force in the UK industry.

It currently employs more than 8,000 people in 900 locations across the country with sales figures in excess of £1.3bn. All 200 staff employed by Atkinson will be taken on by Builder Center

MD at Atkinson, Edwin Atkinson, said: "Our industry has been changing rapidly in recent years with continuing consolidation among companies and increasing emphasis on IT development.

"Builder Center appreciates our 140-year heritage of service to customers in the North-East and will take the business forward in the future."

The move forms part of Builder Center's strategy to expand across the North-East as MD Adrian Barden explained.

"We are delighted to have reached agreement with Atkinson which is an excellent business employing high quality people," he said.

"The acquisition is an excellent fit and we intend to develop our services in the region, leading to further career opportunities."