Following the recent news that appliance giant BSH would be ending its business relationship with buying group CIH, both parties have now agreed to a short “transition period” to minimise disruption for retailers.
A joint statement released today by both companies says: “We confirm that the commercial agreement between BSH Home Appliances Limited and Combined Independents (Holdings) Limited (CIH) has now ended.
“However, to help minimise disruption to our retail partners, we have agreed a transition period for the next two months whereby CIH members will continue to be supplied by BSH. Both CIH and BSH are focused on minimising any impact to members over the coming months.”
The deal between the two companies was originally due to end on April 28, with retailers advised to make arrangements with BSH directly to ensure they could continue selling the brand’s products.
News of BSH’s departure from the buying group first broke last week, just days before the appliance company was due to be exhibiting at CIH’s Showcase trade show, leaving a large empty space where BSH’s stand was supposed to be.
Ahead of last week’s official confirmation, both companies sent separate letters to retailers confirming that negotiations had failed to reach an agreement. However, CIH has firmly laid the blame for the breakdown at BSH’s door. The buying group confirmed it has been negotiating with BSH since October 2025, believing that “a positive conclusion” could be reached. However, it also said that it has been actively planning for all eventualities, including the possibility of BSH choosing to leave.