Co-op Xest acquires BenefitsNow

Co-operative Xest, a catalogue selling mobility products and other daily living aids, has strengthened its presence in the sector following the acquisition of competitor BenefitsNow for an undisclosed sum.

Co-operative Xest was launched last year by the Southern Co-operative, which has more than 150 outlets, primarily food retailers, across southern and middle England.

BenefitsNow was formed in 2001, with a view to provide information and self-assessment services for people seeking to claim Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. It launched a website selling living aids the same year.

Talks to acquire the business were initiated by Co-operative Xest, which felt that through merging with a similar company in the daily living-aids sector, it could “accelerate” its position in a market that is becoming increasingly attractive to general retailers.

Following the acquisition, Steve Lawrence, cofounder of BenefitsNow, will join the Co-operative Xest team as migration manager.

Until they can be integrated under the Co-operative Xest brand, both businesses will continue to trade independently.