Materials group Wolseley has announced that it expects to take over Brandon Hire Services this month after confirming its offer for the firm.

Wolseley said the £71.1m offer, made in March, was close to completion. Its statement to the stock exchange said it expected the deal to complete early next month.

Wolseley announced that it has received backing from the owners of 90% of the shares. Under takeover rules, Wolseley has issued compulsory acquisition notices to shareholders who have not yet accepted the offer.

Wolseley said in March that the purchase would strengthen its business. Brandon Hire will add 143 branches to Wolseley.

John Laycock, Brandon Hire chief executive, said the offer represented value for shareholders and "secures a strong future for the company and its employees as part of a group with a proven track record of developing its acquisitions".

Since the start of Wolseley's financial year on 1 August 2005, it has bought 42 firms in Europe and North America worth £714m.