Construction and industrial supply distributor SouthernCarlson has completed its transition to new ownership after private equity firm Truelink Capital finalized its acquisition of the company from Kyocera Corporation, returning the Omaha-based distributor to private equity control.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
SouthernCarlson distributes construction and industrial fasteners, tools, packaging and related consumables to contractors, manufacturers, and dealer networks. The company operates eight distribution centers and about 115 branch locations across the United States, stocking more than 67,000 SKUs and serving 50,000 professional customers.
Kyocera acquired SouthernCarlson in 2019 as part of a strategy to expand its presence in industrial tools and distribution in North America. The Japanese manufacturer later began reviewing portions of its portfolio as it shifted focus toward core technology and manufacturing businesses.
Under the new ownership structure, SouthernCarlson will operate as an independent company backed by Truelink Capital. The investment firm said it plans to support the distributor’s growth through operational improvements, expanded sales channels and potential acquisitions. SouthernCarlson’s existing leadership team will remain in place.
Financing for the transaction included a senior secured credit facility arranged by Bain Capital Credit and Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
The deal comes amid continued consolidation in the construction and industrial supply distribution sector, where private equity firms are acquiring distributors with strong recurring consumables sales and opportunities for geographic expansion.
SouthernCarlson competes with national and regional distributors supplying contractors and industrial customers with fastening systems, tools, and consumables, including companies such as Fastenal and White Cap.
Industry analysts say private equity investors increasingly view specialty distributors as attractive platforms because of their fragmented markets and potential for growth through add-on acquisitions and operational scale.
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