In December, Benjamin Moore acquired its UK distribution partner, Shaw Paints Ltd.
With this acquisition, Shaw Paints Ltd became Benjamin Moore UK.
"Shaw Paints Ltd. was the exclusive UK distributor of Benjamin Moore products and has been a trusted partner to Benjamin Moore for the past five years," said Dan Calkins, chairman and CEO of Benjamin Moore. "As we look to continue growing the Benjamin Moore brand globally, this acquisition enables us to increase scale and make our products available to a wider audience. Looking ahead, our focus remains on providing best-in-class products and services, and maintaining the health of the independent channel."
Since 2015, Shaw Paints Ltd. has been the exclusive distributor of Benjamin Moore products through a network of stockists and showrooms operated by Shaw Paints.
These showrooms – in Slough, Chelsea and Wilmslow – will continue to operate under Benjamin Moore UK, and continue fulfillment to its network of stockists, Calkins said.
"As you may know, the North American business model is rooted in our commitment to the independent channel. As a manufacturer, we sell our products to more than 7,500 locally owned and operated paint and decorating stores and hardware stores across the US and Canada," Calkins said. "While Benjamin Moore has great relationships with a number of authorized international distributors, we did not have an established brand presence overseas as the distributors served as our representation in their respective regions. Though not a major shift in business model, this acquisition gives us an opportunity to strengthen our brand presence and streamline efficiencies in our UK business. As we integrate the Benjamin Moore UK team into our daily planning and operations, we anticipate additional enhancements to our current ways of doing business."
Currently, Benjamin Moore UK, which employs 12, is strictly distribution – the company's R&D facilities are located in New Jersey – there are new products expected to arrive soon.
"Benjamin Moore is committed to offering the most innovative, premium quality products that satisfy the needs of our end-users. While we are not able to disclose any details at this time, we are working on several solutions that will begin hitting the market in early 2021," Calkins said.
Shaw Paints co-founders, Craig and Helen Shaw, joined the Benjamin Moore team. Craig discovered Benjamin Moore while living and working in the US.
