The £30m deal will see 600 Burden staff transfer to the giant building and plumbing merchant chain and Wolseley gain exclusive use of the Burdens name in the UK.

It leaves around half the 50-depot strong Burdens business in limbo.

One member of staff told the Enquirer: “We haven’t got a clue what is happening to the rest of the business.

“There’s speculation it will be sold off or trade as WTB Group.”

The sites transfering to Wolseley generated revenue from ongoing business in the 3 months ended 30 September 2012 of £40m.

Ian Meakins, chief executive of Wolseley said: “Like our other UK businesses, Burdens has a well established reputation.

“The acquisition will extend the reach of the group’s successful utilities business in the UK and gain one of the leading positions in the underground drainage sector.

“We warmly welcome the Burdens staff that are transferring into the Group and look forward to building the pre-eminent brand in this attractive market.”

Jeremy Burden, chief executive WT Burden Ltd said: “The move will enable the Burdens business to be taken to the next stage of its development and will provide it with the level of focus required to continue to realise its
full potential in the UK market.

“We are confident that the transaction will represent an opportunity to enhance service levels to both customers and suppliers and is positive for the employees involved. ”