The combination of stronger sales and stable customer payment patterns provides some positive signals for distributors entering the second half of the year.
Cincinnati-based Hillman has closed the previously announced acquisition of Kanebridge, a master distributor of commercial and military-grade fasteners.
The combination gives TIPCO a broader product offering for refinery, petrochemical and other industrial customers by adding fasteners to its existing hose and gasket capabilities in the region.
The deal gives DSG a larger customer base in one of its core MRO markets while extending Lawson Products’ geographic reach.
The deal is a significant expansion of Shell’s directly controlled U.S. distribution and retail operations. Shell already has about 12,000 branded fuel and convenience locations across 49 states, but most are owned and operated by wholesalers and dealers
Myers Tire Supply distributes tools, equipment and supplies to the tire, wheel and under-vehicle service industry. Its customers include tire dealers, automotive service centers, commercial fleets, retreaders and other transportation-related businesses across North America.
Lowe’s recently committed $250 million to expand that work, with a goal of helping train and develop 250,000 tradespeople by 2035.
The deal adds to White Cap’s broader North American distribution network, which includes about 575 branches and more than 12,000 employees serving approximately 200,000 customers.
The deal gives Ferguson a larger position in specialized industrial flow-control markets. FloWorks distributes technical valves and flow-control products and provides related services, adding capabilities in valves, automation, rotating equipment and fluid handling to Ferguson’s existing portfolio.
The next two quarters provide enough time to do something tangible: Choose a bottleneck, establish ownership, put a use case into production, and measure the result.