Carlson Systems Acquires Western Tool Supply

Industrial Opportunity Partners said on Thursday that its portfolio company, Carlson Systems, a distributor of product assembly components, has acquired Western Tool Supply. No financial terms were disclosed. Headquartered in Salem, Ore., Western Tool is a distributor of tools and supplies that serves the needs of construction, industrial, and woodworking customers.

PRESS RELEASE

Evanston, Ill., June 6, 2013 – Industrial Opportunity Partners (“IOP”), an operations-focused private equity firm based in Evanston, Ill., today announced the strategic acquisition of Western Tool Supply (“Western Tool”) by its platform company Carlson Systems (“Carlson”). Carlson, headquartered in Omaha, Neb., is a leading multi-regional distributor of product assembly systems serving the fastening and packaging needs of construction, industrial, and OEM customers, with products such as hand-held nailers, staplers, tapers, marking and labeling products, stretch/shrink wrappers, and strappers. Carlson sells over 15,000 SKUs sourced from over 900 vendors from 52 sales sites spread across 22 states (primarily in the Midwest, Central, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions) and parts of Mexico.
Headquartered in Salem, Ore., Western Tool is a leading distributor of tools and supplies serving the fastening needs of construction, industrial, and woodworking customers, with products such as hand-held nailers, staplers, and related fasteners. Western Tool operates 14 sales sites in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Montana.
Ken Tallering, Senior Managing Director of IOP, stated, “We are excited to support our platform investment in Carlson with the highly strategic acquisition of Western Tool. Carlson is positioned for growth both internally and through strategic acquisitions such as Western Tool. Western Tool represents Carlson’s first acquisition since IOP invested in Carlson in 2009.”
Jim Todd, Chairman of Carlson and an Operating Principal of IOP, added, “The acquisition of Western Tool expands Carlson’s geographical coverage to the Pacific Northwest. The combined company will benefit through its broadened customer relationships and product offerings. The Carlson platform is very well positioned and has significant momentum as its end markets continue to rebound.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Carlson Systems Holdings, Inc.
Carlson Systems is a leading multi-regional distributor of product assembly systems serving the fastening and packaging needs of construction, industrial, and OEM customers, with products such as hand-held nailers, staplers, tapers, marking and labeling products, stretch/shrink wrappers, and strappers. For more information, visit the Carlson’s website at www.csystems.com.
About Industrial Opportunity Partners
IOP, an Evanston, Ill.-based private equity firm with $460 million of committed capital, is dedicated to creating value through investing in manufacturing and value-added distribution businesses with sales between $30 million and $350 million. IOP focuses on businesses with strong product, customer, and market positions, and provides management and operational resources to support sales and earnings growth at its businesses.