BUILD Centre chain Wolseley UK has bought William Wilson, a leading UK distributor of plumbing, heating and electrical supplies, for £81m.

The acquisition follows the firm's buyout of insulation firm Encon for £140.5m, announced last week.

Wolseley, which has part of its head offices and a large distribution centre in Ripon, North Yorkshire, said the latest acquisition provided the firm with a substantial entry point into the electrical market.

Charlie Banks, group chief executive, said: "As well as significantly expanding our operations in the North of England and Scotland, the acquisition of William Wilson enables us to develop our presence in these regions and to expand the range of construction products we distribute to now include electrical supplies.

"We remain committed to growing the business at double-digit rates through a combination of organic and acquisition growth."

Reading-based Wolseley acquired William Wilson from private equity company 3i and a large number of individuals and trusts.

The firm has about 600 employees operating from 45 locations in Scotland and England, including sites in Darlington, Stockton, Sunderland, Newcastle and Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

It has two divisions - plumbing and heating and electrical wholesale.

Wolseley said yesterday the electrical wholesale division would be expanded by an "aggressive programme of branch openings".

Last year, Wolseley had sales of £11.3bn and operating profits of £721m.