Blakemore Wholesale has acquired BA Cash & Carry in a move that it claims will make it the “third largest company of its kind” in the UK.

It has purchased the South Wales-based wholesaler and fellow Landmark Wholesale member for an undisclosed sum.

BA Cash & Carry, which has two depots Cardiff and Swansea and a turnover of £93m, employs 180 staff and operates cash & carry, as well as a delivered retail and foodservice operations.

“BA is another well-established family business and the purchase will strengthen our position within the wholesale sector, specifically across South Wales, following the purchase of Mogford’s Cash & Carry, in Newport, back in 2001,” said Blakemore Wholesale MD Sam Wilcox.

“This is a major acquisition for Blakemore Wholesale and comes soon after our purchase of three Lowries Wholesale depots, located in the North of England, last July.

“BA is a highly regarded wholesaler, boasting two of the largest cash & carry depots in Wales along with a growing delivered retail and food service operation,” he added.

The move, Blakemore said, would increase its turnover to £340m and  expand its operation to 14 depots across Wales, the West Midlands and the North of England.

BA Cash & Carry was 29th on The Grocer’s Big 30 ranking of the UK’s largest grocery wholesalers.