BUSINESSMAN Bill Archer has pulled off another big deal in the DIY market.

The Mellor-based boss, who heads the Focus Do-it-All chain has now bought Great Mills, the DIY division of concrete and cement firm RMC, in a deal worth about £275million.

Last September Focus bought Wickes in a £289million deal.

The latest deal means the firm is now second in the UK DIY market behind B&Q. Great Mills has about 90 stores.

RMC said it was selling Great Mills to focus on its core activities in ready-mixed concrete and cement.

The Great Mills deal is expected to be completed by December 29.