The acquisition will cement Barratt’s position as the biggest homebuilder in the UK, as Barratt-Redrow plc, but 800 jobs could be at risk
In a surprise deal, Barratt has confirmed it will acquire rival housebuilder Redrow, in a deal that will secure Barratt’s position as the largest housebuilder in the UK.
Pending shareholder and regulator approval, the combined group will be known as Barratt Redrow and led by current group chief executive David Thomas. Caroline Silver, chair of Barratt, will continue as chair of the combined group.
Current group chief executive of Redrow, Matthew Pratt, will continue to lead the Redrow brand, which will be retained for marketing new homes.
The deal will see Barratt taking 67.2% control of the group, with Redrow shareholders retaining 32.8%.
The combined group will have an estimated £7bn+ turnover
With around 92,300 homes in the pipeline, the deal sees the first and seventh largest UK housebuilders unite to “leverage the respective strengths of both Barratt and Redrow, delivering significant benefits to our people, our supply chains, and – most importantly – our customers,” according to David Thomas.
Matthew Pratt added: “Together, we’ll be in a much better position to offer a broader range of high-quality and energy efficient homes to customers.”
In a joint statement released by Barratt-Redrow, the group confirmed that they expect the deal to add to this year’s earnings once the deal closes(expected in the latter half of 2024), as well as to make savings of up to £90m in an annual-run basis by 2027.
However, jobs are at risk as a reduction in employees is planned
Bid documents for the merger see a projected reduction of 10%, which could be up to 800 roles.
Barratt employs around 6,000 people and Redrow 2,300, but the job cuts are not expected to affect site-based staff.
Nine office closures are expected from Barratt’s 29 divisional offices and Redrow’s 12 branches.
The firms said: “This reduction is intended to come from employees and management, overlapping central and support functions and divisions affected by the rationalisation programme as a result of the combination.
“Following completion, Barratt intends to retain the best talent of Barratt and Redrow.”
