United Hardware has announced the acquisition of Kehoe’s Homevalue, New Ross, Co. Wexford.
The acquisition represents a strategic investment for United Hardware and forms part of the Group’s broader programme to strengthen and develop its retail network, alongside the ongoing rollout of the new Homevalue concept stores and the recent completion of its acquisition of Expert Hardware, which has created a combined network of more than 200 stores nationwide.
Kehoe’s Homevalue has been a valued member of the Homevalue network for many years, earning a strong reputation for quality products, knowledgeable advice and excellent customer service for both retail and trade customers throughout New Ross and the surrounding region.
Established in 1999 by Dermot Kehoe, the business has grown over the past 26 years to become a leading player in the local builders’ merchant and hardware DIY market, serving customers across Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow.
The business employs over 50 people at its New Ross location and remains a family-run operation, with founder Dermot Kehoe working closely alongside a number of family members across the business, reflecting the strong local roots and community connection that define the Homevalue network.
The acquisition reinforces United Hardware’s commitment to investing in independent, locally-rooted retailers, while strengthening its ability to deliver enhanced support, greater scale and improved customer experience across its network.
Kehoe’s Homevalue will continue to operate under its established brand, with customers continuing to receive the trusted local service they have come to expect. United Hardware plans to invest in the development of the business, with a focus on enhancing the retail environment, strengthening the product offering and evolving the customer experience over time.
This investment comes as United Hardware continues to roll out its new Homevalue concept store format, positioning Homevalue as “Trusted, Local, Experts” and introducing a more modern, consistent retail experience across the network.
The new concept is being implemented through a phased rollout programme, with selected stores transitioning to the refreshed format as part of a wider strategy to strengthen Homevalue’s position as a distinctive national brand with strong local relevance.
Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Candon, Chief Executive Officer of United Hardware, said: ‘We are delighted to bring Kehoe’s Homevalue into direct ownership as part of our continued investment in the Homevalue network.
“This acquisition reflects our long-term commitment to supporting independent retailers and strengthening the Homevalue brand, alongside the rollout of our new concept stores and our recent expansion through the Expert Hardware acquisition.
“Kehoe’s has built an excellent reputation for customer service and community engagement, and we are committed to building on that success while continuing to invest in the business for the future.”
Dermot Kehoe, owner of Kehoe’s Homevalue, said: “We are very proud of what has been built here in New Ross over many years, and particularly of the team and family behind the business.
“Joining United Hardware in this way represents a positive step for the future of the store. It allows us to continue serving our customers and community with the same local focus, while benefiting from the additional support, scale and investment that United Hardware brings.
“We’re confident this will help us continue to grow and develop the business in the years ahead.”
United Hardware will begin a programme of investment in the store, focused on enhancing the customer experience, strengthening the retail environment and supporting the continued growth of the business.
