Baptiste builders announced yesterday that it has purchased Bermuda Glass.

The deal - which Baptiste Builders said was negotiated by chief executive officer Martin Willingale and Bermuda Glass president Larry Davis - will see Baptiste Builder's staff grow by more than 35 percent from 24 to 37, with the addition of 13 Bermuda Glass staff.

The company has also hired a new sales manager Dennis Rodriguez, formerly of Pembroke Tile and Stone.

Baptiste Builders told The Royal Gazette that the acquisition of Bermuda Glass would not result in any layoffs. And the company predicted greater profitability, as a result of the acquisition, as both companies will eventually share one location.

But, in the near-term Bermuda Glass will continue to operate at its present Hamilton location, and as a separate company. Baptiste Builders does forecast moving Bermuda Glass to its Khyber Pass location early in the new year.

Baptiste Builders said further that it is presently constructing a third warehouse.

Sacha Bearden, of Baptiste Builders, said further: "The purchase of Bermuda Glass allows us to expand into Commercial Glass, Kitchens and have a full-time Field Service Team."

Both Bermuda Glass and Baptiste Builders said they have enjoyed a good working relationship through the years, and that discussions between Bermuda Glass and Baptiste Builders first took place some years ago.

Mr. Davis, who will stay on in a sales and administrative capacity, said: "Around four years ago some preliminary discussions took place with the Baptiste group. Synergies were recognised but due to lack of space at the Khyber Pass facilities nothing concrete could be done. However, some six months ago discussions were reopened and the agreement for the Baptiste Group to purchase Bermuda Glass was confirmed."

Mr. Davis said further: "This is truly a joining of forces with all staff moving with this merger."

Mr. Davis declined to comment on who owned Bermuda Glass before the sale, but said it was a group of shareholders, who held the company as a private limited liability company.

Baptiste Builders is owned by Raymond Baptiste, although he retired from the operation several years ago.