The Big River Group has announced plans to acquire John’s Building Supplies, strengthening its national trade network and expanding its presence in Western Australia’s high-growth market. Founded 40 years ago, Perth-based John’s Building Supplies is one of the state’s most established trade suppliers, serving builders, subcontractors, and commercial customers across structural timber, engineered wood, cladding, lining, and interior fit-out.
“John’s Building Supplies is a high-quality Western Australian business with deep relationships and a long track record of supporting the trade,” according to John Lorente, CEO of the Big River Group, who announced the plans last week. “This acquisition broadens our presence in a key growth region and strengthens our offering across the structural timber, panels, and building materials categories.”
“We have great respect for the business John Lindsay and his family have built, and we look forward to welcoming the team into the Big River Group.”
Wood Central understands that John’s Building Supplies has served Western Australian building professionals for decades, with product ranges that complement Big River’s national portfolio. Big River Group currently operates multiple distribution sites and manufacturing facilities across Australia, supplying a wide range of products, including formwork and timber, decorative panels, and building materials.
According to Big River’s latest annual report, the company recorded $406 million in revenue for FY2024, driven by acquisitions and sustained demand in trade and infrastructure markets. The addition of John’s Building Supplies is expected to further enhance that growth by extending Big River’s national footprint into Western Australia, one of the country’s fastest-growing construction markets.
John Lindsay, representing the owners of John’s Building Supplies, said becoming part of Big River represents a natural step forward for the business. “Our family has always focused on providing trusted service, quality products, and dependable supply to the WA trade market,” Lindsay said. “Big River shares those same values. Becoming part of Big River ensures our customers will continue to receive the personalised service they rely on, while benefiting from the scale, product range and national strength of a larger group.”
Both companies confirmed that existing customers and supplier partners will continue to be serviced without interruption, with integration plans already in place to ensure a smooth transition. The existing management team at John’s Building Supplies will remain in place following completion. The acquisition is expected to be finalised on or around 15 December 2025, subject to customary conditions. Once completed, John’s Building Supplies will continue operations from its existing Western Australian site under the Big River Group brand.
- To learn more about the Big River Group, including its state-of-the-art ‘future proof’ manufacturing plant in Grafton, NSW, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.
