More mergers for DIY chains

Corporate identity and retail consultancies could soon find plentiful work in the European DIY market, according to retail research group Verdict.

European Strategic Issues: Verdict on DIY retailing 2000, suggests an increasing rate of expansion is likely to hit the sector. Large chains are expected to enter new markets, and focus on ever larger stores. Cross-border merger and acquisition activity between groups should be expected, says the report.

Smaller chains are expected to form alliances or undergo mergers within their own countries.