UK dealer groups Integra Business Solutions and Office Friendly have announced the completion of their merger.
The groups confirmed in September 2024 that they were in talks about a potential merger, with their respective shareholders approving the combination – creating a new entity called BLOC Group – in mid-2025. Now, following the final approvals from the Financial Conduct Authority, the transaction has been successfully completed.
BLOC is headed by Managing Director Jeanette Caswell (ex-Office Friendly) and Chairman Aidan McDonough (ex-Integra). Other key staff positions and further company details have not been made public, but the organisation issued the following press release:
The merger between Integra Business Solutions and Office Friendly has been successfully completed, creating a powerful new force – BLOC Group.
Bringing together decades of industry expertise in marketing, purchasing, business development, operations and technology, BLOC is the industry’s leading membership organisation, empowering independent dealers to embrace new opportunities for sustainable growth and be part of a collective community in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
The workplace is changing and customer expectations are shifting with it. From hybrid working to growing sustainability demands – and with customers harder to reach across a crowded and complex mix of marketing channels – independent dealers face increasing pressure to stay visible, relevant and competitive. BLOC is uniquely positioned to support members by combining unrivalled marketing and training solutions with access to the right partnerships, products and services.
Aidan McDonough, Chairman of BLOC, comments “This is a pivotal moment for the industry, our team, members and key partners. By combining the strengths of two market-leading organisations, we have created an unrivalled platform of expertise and support. BLOC will be at the forefront of change, giving independent dealers the confidence, knowledge, and resources to seize new opportunities and deliver even greater value to customers.”
Integration of the two businesses is already well underway with a new membership portal, BLOCHub, being constructed to provide members with easy access to all BLOC services, solutions and self-serve content. BLOCHub will give members the insight and tools they need to stay competitive and grow.
Jeanette Caswell, Managing Director of BLOC, adds: “We are incredibly excited about the future as BLOC and the benefits our combined resources, industry leading solutions and new initiatives will bring to our members and key partners. It’s been brilliant to see both teams working together behind the scenes to bring our organisations together as seamlessly as possible. I would also like to thank our members and partners for their continued support and patience while we have been going through this merger process.”
Members can expect innovative marketing, smarter purchasing opportunities, invaluable technology partnerships and support, together with industry leading sustainability and training programmes – all underpinned by a dedicated business development team.
BLOC has also announced its first national conference to held in June 2026. More details can be found here.
