United Hardware has recently announced the acquisition of Kehoe’s Homevalue, New Ross, Co. Wexford. The acquisition represents the next chapter in the story of a business built over more than 26 years by Dermot and Oonagh Kehoe, who developed Kehoe’s Homevalue from a local operation into one of the South East’s leading builders’ merchants and hardware DIY retailers.
Since establishing the business in 1999, the Kehoes have overseen significant growth, building a strong customer base across Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow. Known for its commitment to customer service, knowledgeable staff and strong local relationships, the business has become a trusted supplier to both trade and retail customers throughout the region.
Today, Kehoe’s Homevalue employs more than 50 people in New Ross and remains firmly rooted in family values. Family members continue to play key roles within the business alongside a highly experienced team whose contribution has been central to the company’s success over the past two decades.
Having been a long-standing member of the Homevalue network, Kehoe’s has become widely recognised as one of the group’s strongest independent operators, making it a natural fit for further investment and development by United Hardware.
The acquisition ensures the business will continue to operate as Kehoe’s Homevalue, while benefiting from additional investment to support future growth. United Hardware plans to build on the strong foundations established by Dermot, Oonagh and the wider team through continued investment in the retail environment, customer offering and overall store experience.
Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Candon, Chief Executive Officer of United Hardware, said: “First and foremost, this acquisition is a recognition of the outstanding business that Dermot, Oonagh and the wider Kehoe family have built over the past 26 years.”
“Kehoe’s Homevalue has earned a fantastic reputation across the Southeast through a commitment to customer service, strong community relationships and an unwavering focus on quality. Just as importantly, it is a business supported by an excellent team whose contribution has been central to its success.”
“As a long-standing member of the Homevalue network, Kehoe’s represents everything that is great about independent Irish retail. We see enormous potential in the business and look forward to building on what has already been achieved while supporting its continued growth for many years to come.”
Dermot Kehoe, owner of Kehoe’s Homevalue, said: “We are incredibly proud of what has been built here in New Ross over the past 26 years. None of it would have been possible without the support of our customers, the dedication of our staff and the commitment of our family, all of whom have played a major role in the journey.
“Oonagh and I have been fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team and family members who have helped grow the business into what it is today, and we are extremely grateful for their contribution.
“This next chapter with United Hardware provides a strong platform for the future of the business. It allows us to preserve everything that customers value about Kehoe’s Homevalue while creating exciting opportunities for further investment and development in the years ahead.”
The acquisition comes during a period of continued growth and investment for United Hardware, including the rollout of its new Homevalue concept store format and the recent acquisition of Expert Hardware. The Group said that maintaining the local identity, customer focus and community connection of successful businesses such as Kehoe’s Homevalue remains central to its long-term strategy.
