The group, also a Home Hardware member, will extend its store portfolio with the addition of the three Austen's branches in Petworth, Billingshurst and Midhurst.
Hampshire-based RJ Winnicot, known as the Rowlands Group, currently operates four Home Hardware stores in Alton, Emsworth, Romsey and Rowlands Castle. Having spent the past two years extending the retail and office space at its head office at Rowlands Castle, the group felt the time was right to increase its retail outlets and started looking at acquisition opportunities.

Group managing directors Adrian Winnicott and David Wagg said: "The acquisition of Austen's Home Hardware could not have come along at a better time, as we consider Austen's the ideal opportunity. It offered a very similar business to our own with excellent staff and customer loyalty. One big additional benefit being the close relationship shared by both companies in purchasing stock from wholesale distributor Home Hardware."

Austen's has a strong identity in West Sussex and Rowland's plans to retain the Austen's name at all three branches following the acquisition.

Austen's Home Hardware owner Philip Neve said: "I'm delighted the business has been bought by a family-run business with like-mined ideas. I've been in the hardware business for 44 years, all my working life, and now that I'm approaching the retirement age, I was keen to secure continuity for my 33 full/part time staff. I've been a strong active member of Home Hardware and I'm pleased that the connection will continue through the Rowlands Group."

Commenting on the sale, Home Hardware Southwest managing director Martin Elliott said: "I'm delighted a Home Hardware retailer has bought the Austen's Home Hardware stores. Philip Neve has been a loyal member of Home Hardware for many years and we wish him and his wife a happy, healthy retirement. We wish everyone at Rowlands every success in their new venture".