Wesfarmers have completed the STG340 million ($A658 million) acquisition of UK home improvement chain Homebase.

The takeover of UK and Ireland’s second largest home improvement and garden retailer adds 15,000 employees to Wesfarmers’ charge.

“We welcome our new employees and are excited about the opportunity to bring the best of Bunnings to the UK and Ireland” managing director Richard Goyder said on Monday.

Wesfarmers is expected to rebrand Homebase under its Bunnings banner.

The takeover follows Wesfarmers announcement last week of a lift in first half profit.

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