Co-operative Xest, a catalogue selling mobility products and
other daily living aids, has strengthened its presence in the
sector following the acquisition of competitor BenefitsNow for an
undisclosed sum.
Co-operative Xest was launched last year by the Southern
Co-operative, which has more than 150 outlets, primarily food
retailers, across southern and middle England.
BenefitsNow was formed in 2001, with a view to provide
information and self-assessment services for people seeking to
claim Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. It
launched a website selling living aids the same year.
Talks to acquire the business were initiated by Co-operative
Xest, which felt that through merging with a similar company in
the daily living-aids sector, it could “accelerate”
its position in a market that is becoming increasingly attractive
to general retailers.
Following the acquisition, Steve Lawrence, cofounder of
BenefitsNow, will join the Co-operative Xest team as migration
manager.
Until they can be integrated under the Co-operative Xest brand,
both businesses will continue to trade independently.
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