The Grafton group said yesterday it had extended its British holdings yesterday with the acquisition of County Plumbing Supplies. The business has three plumbers' outlets in the Southampton area. Although the price was not disclosed, the firm said the business had a combined annual turnover of £2.5 million sterling and would now form part of Grafton's 28-outlet Plumbase business.

One third of the group's business is now in Britain contributing a turnover last year of £50 million sterling. Acquisitions to date in 1997 have increased British turnover to over £85 million, the company said.