Brooks Group, the builders' merchants and timber distributor, has announced the acquisition of the Charles Manson Group, one of the largest independent timber merchants in Britain.

Brooks, which is part of UPM Kymmene's wood products division, did not disclose how much it was paying for the assets and business of Charles Manson. But it is understood the acquisition will involve an investment of £20 million sterling (€32 million) by the Irish group.

Brooks currently has 13 branches in eight locations in the Republic and two branches in Northern Ireland and has turnover of around €128 million. The acquisition will increase annual group turnover by over 40 per cent.