Likewise Becomes the UK’s Largest Flooring Distributor

Likewise Group has acquired a package of assets from Headlam Group and HFD Limited following their entry into administration.

The £14.9 million cash transaction includes Headlam’s 90,000-square-foot Thatcham distribution centre, its operating assets and onsite inventory. Likewise has also acquired the trade and assets of Crucial Trading and Concept Floors, together with principal intellectual property.

Approximately 110 employees are expected to transfer to Likewise as part of the transaction.

Following Headlam’s administration and the acquisition, the Likewise board believes the group is now the UK’s largest distributor of floor coverings.

“The acquisition is a key milestone for the Group as it now becomes the leading distributor of floor coverings in the UK,” Likewise chief executive Tony Brewer said.

Likewise has acquired assets, not Headlam itself

The structure of the transaction is important.

Likewise has not acquired any Headlam company. It has selected specific distribution, brand and operating assets from the administrators.

The Thatcham facility expands Likewise’s capacity and strengthens its coverage across southern England. Crucial Trading and Concept Floors add specialist businesses, recognised products and established customer relationships.

Likewise has also entered a nine-month agreement to help Headlam’s administrators sell the remaining inventory through its sales and distribution network. The group will temporarily occupy Headlam’s Coleshill site to support the process.

The acquisition was funded from Likewise’s existing cash resources following its recent £32.5 million equity raise. No additional debt or equity was raised to complete the transaction.

A larger network with more moving parts

Likewise has expanded rapidly since it was established in 2018, combining acquisitions with investment in new logistics centres and regional distribution capacity.

The Headlam assets add another major facility, new brands, additional inventory and a broader customer base. They also support Likewise’s ambition to achieve £300 million in medium-term revenue.

However, the acquired assets are not expected to contribute materially to profitability during the remainder of 2026. Likewise expects a positive contribution in its 2027 financial year and plans to provide an integration and financial update in January.

The immediate operational priority will be maintaining continuity for former Headlam customers and suppliers while bringing the acquired businesses into the Likewise network.

That includes deciding how inventory will be positioned across facilities, how delivery routes will operate and how the new product ranges will be made available to Likewise customers.

Digital ordering forms part of the integration task

Likewise has recently expanded its online portal and mobile app, giving customers access to live stock information, pricing, ordering, payments, invoices and account management.

Customers can use the service around the clock rather than relying on telephone or branch-based ordering.

Integrating the acquired assets into that experience will require more than uploading new products.

Product information, pricing, customer accounts and inventory availability will need to be aligned so that customers receive reliable information across the portal, app, sales team and distribution network. Likewise will also need to determine how the Crucial Trading and Concept Floors brands appear within its digital channels.

The company has not yet published a detailed integration plan.

For now, the acquisition gives Likewise considerably more scale and a stronger national position. The January 2027 update should provide the first clearer indication of how quickly the new facilities, people, brands and customer relationships are being incorporated into the wider business.