Construction supplier Rudridge has been bought by its rival Travis Perkins Group for an undisclosed amount.

The independent firm distributes groundwork, civil engineering and drainage materials across the South East from its four branches employing 72 people, including one in Gravesend which employs 22 people.

It bears the combined names of directors Alan Betteridge and Robert Rudd, who have had many approaches from buyers since it began trading in 2000.

The company’s board approved the sale earlier this month, after seeing their startegy for taking the company forward.

Mr Betteridge said: “The professionalism, integrity, respect for the Rudridge brand and the people we met at Travis Perkins left us in absolutely no doubt that they were the right organisation to take the business to the next level.

“During the sale process it became evident that being part of a bigger organisation would be a very positive step for both Rudridge and our employees...” - Rudridge's Alan Betteridge

“During the sale process it became evident that being part of a bigger organisation would be a very positive step for both Rudridge and our employees.”

Rudridge will maintain its own identity and remain under the management of its founding directors.

Mr Rudd added: “Travis Perkins will not only provide the platform for us to continue the development of Rudridge, they also respect our unique trading style and have emphasised that they want this to continue.”

Travis Perkins divisional chief executive Frank Elkins said: “Alan and Robert have built a great business with specialist knowledge in the civils and drainage market, and a strong ethos for service which fits with our own.

“We are delighted to welcome Rudridge to the Group and look forward to working with them to develop the business.”