Wesfarmers trims Homebase team

PERTH, Australia — Wesfarmers has taken more direct control of its newly acquired British business by ousting most of Homebase’s top leadership, including its managing director, finance director, and marketing head. Wesfarmers bought Homebase earlier in the year for $705 million and will bring the latter’s 265 stores in the British Isles under the Bunnings brand which has been one of the most successful home improvement chains in Wesfarmers’ home turf of Australia. Former Bunnings COO Peter Davis is taking the reins at Homebase, bringing with him his new finance director and fellow Bunnings vet Rodney Boys, The Australian reports.