London-based Bunzl Plc, the international distribution group, has acquired rivals WK Thomas & Co and Industrial Supplies from King UK, which is in administration. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

Chessington-based WK Thomas is a distributor of food products, while International Supplies specialises in distributing hygiene products. The aggregate revenue of the businesses was some £35 million in 2008.

Michael Roney, Bunzl chief executive, said: “These businesses complement our existing operations in the UK and we welcome them to the group. This transaction demonstrates our ability to take advantage of appropriate opportunities as they arise in what is a particularly tough environment in the UK and Ireland.”

Bunzl reported strong growth in 2008, with revenue up by 17 per cent to £4 billion. Roney commented: “The group once again had a successful year in 2008 due to a combination of organic growth, the positive acquisition impact in both new and existing locations and the benefit of currency translation.”