Investors set $4 billion Construction Supply Group, White Cap merger

Sources: Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, New York; HD Supply Holdings, Inc., Atlanta; CP staff

Two private equity fund managers have outlined a transaction creating a powerhouse in concrete and masonry construction accessories and supplies. Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) will acquire HD Supply’s Construction & Industrial segment, better known as White Cap and including the Home Improvement Solutions and Brafasco businesses, then pursue a merger of that entity with Construction Supply Group (CSG). Based in Denver, the latter is a portfolio company of Sterling Group, a Houston investor that has acquired concrete and masonry contractor centers since chartering the business in 2016 with Minnesota’s Brock White. 

The combination is intended to create a leading North American distributor of a diverse mix of concrete accessories and specialty construction and safety products with more than $4 billion in annual revenue. White Cap operates 270 branches with approximately 5,500 employees and offers more than 400,000 stockkeeping units to 200,000 customers. With 130 branches and approximately 2,000 employees, CSG has a highly complementary footprint to White Cap in terms of product depth and geography, offering more than 60,000 sku to 65,000 customers.

The $2.9 billion White Cap transaction is scheduled to close by October and not subject to the status of CSG merger proceedings. CD&R funds and Sterling Group will hold respective 65 percent and 35 percent ownership interests in the combined entity. White Cap CEO John Stegeman and President Alan Sollenberger are expected to retain their titles in the transition, while CD&R Operating Partner Phil Knisely becomes chairman. 

“This transformational combination simultaneously increases our product and service offering, capabilities, and diversification and establishes our business as a focused, independent company,” says Stegeman. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to join forces with the many talented associates and leaders at CSG to enhance our collective ability to serve customers. Following this transaction, we will be very well positioned to pursue both organic and inorganic growth opportunities aligned with our strategic priorities.”

“We look forward to our new partnership with CD&R and the continued support of The Sterling Group as we continue to seek growth opportunities to better serve our customers,” adds CSG CEO Mitch Williams.

 

Related articles

Construction Supply Group loads West Coast portfolio in Hub deal

Construction Supply Group adds All-Tex, Masonpro, Titan businesses