Travis Perkins plc · Northampton United Kingdom ·(London: TPK)

Travis Perkins has built itself into one of the UK's largest builder merchants (along with Wolseley and Saint-Gobain Building Distribution) through acquisitions and is now intent on nailing part of the DIY retail sector. Catering to contractors and construction professionals, Travis Perkins (TP) not only sells building materials but it also rents tools at more than 1,200 branches throughout the UK. In 2005 it acquired the Wickes division -- a chain of more than 220 stores that serves contractors as well as serious DIYers -- of FOCUS Wickes. TP operates specialty branches under several names, including its namesake banner, Benchmarx, Commercial Ceiling Factors (CCF), City Plumbing, Keyline, and Tile Giant. To read the full description, subscribe now.