DIY retailer Homebase has seen an uplift in sales following its acquisition by Australia’s Wesfarmers, with an 8.4% increase in transactions for the quarter ended September 25th.

The former Home Retail Group brand was sold to the Australian giant earlier this year for £340 million. Its brands also include K-Mart, DIY retailer Bunnings, the Australian arm of stationery retailer Officeworks and supermarket giant Coles.

The group plans to eventually rebrand Homebase under its Bunnings fascia.

Bunnings chief executive officer John Gillam said trading in the UK and Ireland continued to be steady and “good progress is being made across all elements of the acquisition agenda”.

“There is a strong focus within the business on continuing to transition core ranges across to home improvement and garden products. Pleasing progress is being made with this work.” he added.