WOLSELEY UK has received clearance from the Office of Fair Trading following its acquisition of the 22 branches of Burdens, the supplier of utility and civil engineering products. Steve Ashmore, Wolseley’s managing director, (pictured) said: “The deal is in line with Wolseley UK’s strategy to develop leading market positions in all of its businesses. The prospect of building on our presence in the utilities market and developing a leading role in the underground drainage sector is an exciting one and we are looking forward to the growth opportunities ahead.”