B&M (often known as B&M Bargains), is a British variety store chain dating back to 1978, when it was founded by Billington and Mayman. The very first store opened in Cleveleys that year. Despite being predominantly in the UK, the company is now registered in Luxembourg. Much of its  growth has come came through acquisitions through the purchase of stores such as GlynWebb and Kwik Save. Heron Foods was another huge acquisition  which the company bought for a reported £152 million. These stores are being converted into B&M branches. As of February 2022, B&M had over 700 stores in the UK, with around 250 Heron Foods stores. In France, the firm acquired 95 Babou stores which it is now running under the B&M brand. The products are mainly sourced directly from manufacturers, with around 30% of stock sourced and purchased directly from China too. B&M believes it can offset the higher import costs by increasing sales volume. B&M Products and Services:

• Everyday essentials
• Stationery
• Clothing and footwear
• Household and cleaning
• Food and Drink
• Pet Care
• Toys and Games
• Garden products, Homeware and Furniture

The B&M group is publicly listed on the LSE Some of the major shareholders hold between 3% and 5% of total shares each. These are Wellington Management (5.04%), Fidelity Management (4.99%) and J.O. Hambro Management (3.47%). Clayton, Dubliner and Rice, one of the world’s leading private equity funds, also holds a significant stake in the business.