Metcash strengthens hardware business with Total Tools merger

Food, liquor and hardware retailer Metcash will merge its Independent Hardware Group and Total Tools Holdings to strengthen the brand’s hardware pillar.

The merger brings together Metcash’s hardware brands, including Mitre 10, Home Hardware and Total Tools.

Metcash says the merger will result in a single, leading, scaled hardware business serving home builders, professional trades, and the DIY home improvement sector.

It positions Metcash with a clear operating model for Hardware alongside its Food and Liquor businesses. This structure allows all of Metcash’s divisions to be uniquely placed to work with independents, franchisees, and corporate-owned retail stores, to better support the communities they serve.

The merger – designed to help Metcash build a stronger and more resilient hardware offering to support growth and market strength – is expected to accelerate performance through improved strategic alignment, scale benefits, the leveraging of shared customer bases and property opportunities, and greater simplification.

“Combining the businesses underpins our commitment to maximise the opportunities for profitable growth in the sector,” Metcash CEO Doug Jones said.

Current CEO of the Independent Hardware Group, Scott Marshall, will lead the combined Hardware pillar. He has been with Metcash for over 30 years, in roles including CEO of the Food pillar and CEO of the Liquor pillar.

Total Tools’ CEO, Richard Murray, has left Metcash as a result of the merger.