Wirral-based Rightway has expanded into north Wales by taking over Bevans.
The new chain will have an estimated combined turnover of about £5m and 15 outlets.

Bevans dates back to the 1930's and was originally founded as joiners and undertakers, which then developed into a DIY chain.

Rightway is newer to the market but a strong performer, since it was established in 1988 it has grown to have eight outlets on the in and around the Wirral.

David Clarke of Rightway now becomes managing director of both firms.

He told diyweek.net: "Liverpool is a competitive market and when we looked at expansion north Wales was the perfect location.

"It's taken about 12 months to finalise the deal and part of it mean I can't talk about the amount of money involved.

Mr Clarke says he plans to keep the Bevans branding at least for the short-term, but said he would have to consider what the long-term future would be.

There are also plans, well underway, to transform half of a Flint warehouse into an outlet by February next year, to be ready for the 2009 gardening season.