GMS Inc., one of North America’s largest specialty building products distributors, has acquired the assets of Brown Machinery, a regional supplier of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), stucco, concrete block, and masonry materials with four locations across Oklahoma and North Texas.
The deal strengthens GMS’s presence in the South-Central United States and expands its portfolio of complementary construction products — a core focus of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to welcome Brown Machinery and its team of respected and knowledgeable professionals to GMS,” said John C. Turner Jr., president and chief executive officer of GMS, in a statement. “Bringing the Brown Machinery team into the GMS family will further expand distribution coverage of our complementary products throughout Oklahoma and surrounding markets while providing an even higher level of service to our customers.”
Under the agreement, Brown Machinery will continue operating under its existing brand, and General Manager Justin Owens will remain in his role overseeing day-to-day operations. GMS said the move is designed to maintain stability for employees, customers, and suppliers during the transition.
The acquisition comes as consolidation in the building materials sector accelerates, driven by rising demand from commercial and residential construction and ongoing competition for local market share. Analysts said the deal gives GMS additional scale in a region where it had limited exposure and adds a line of masonry and stucco products that complement its existing wallboard, ceiling, and steel framing business.
Founded in 1971, GMS operates a network of more than 320 distribution centers and 100 tool sales, rental, and service facilities across the United States and Canada. The company serves residential and commercial contractors with a broad range of building materials and installation products.
GMS became a wholly owned subsidiary of SRS Distribution earlier this year, following SRS’s acquisition of the company in a $5.5 billion deal backed by The Home Depot. The transaction was part of Home Depot’s strategy to expand its professional contractor business and deepen its supply chain reach.
For GMS, the addition of Brown Machinery represents another step in its plan to combine the advantages of national scale with strong local relationships. Turner said the deal underscores the company’s commitment to investing in regional distributors with deep customer ties and technical expertise.
The Brown Machinery acquisition is effective immediately.
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