US maintenance, repair, and operations supplier Grainger has agreed to sell its UK arm, Cromwell, to private equity firm Aurelius as part of its plan to withdraw from the British market and concentrate on North America and Japan.
Based in Leicester, Cromwell is one of the UK’s largest independent MRO suppliers, employing more than 2,000 people and generating over £230 million in annual sales. The business, founded in 1970, was acquired by Grainger in 2015 for £310 million.
Grainger said the decision reflects its shift toward regions where it sees the strongest long-term growth. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close within the coming months.
The US group anticipates a non-cash after-tax loss of between $190 million and $205 million as a result of the UK exit, with most of the impact to be recognised in the third quarter of 2025.
The divestment follows Grainger’s earlier move to shut down its Zoro UK e-commerce business, marking a continued retreat from the British market as it narrows its focus to higher-performing international operations.
