Westlake goes to Washington (state)

Westlake Ace Hardware will acquire the Dennis Company, a five-store retail hardware chain in coastal southwest Washington. With this acquisition, expected to close in late March, Westlake will own 121 stores across ten states.

The Dennis Company has five locations in Washington: Aberdeen, Elma, Long Beach, Montesano, and Raymond. According to Westlake officials, it will be a seamless transition of ownership and the stores will retain the Dennis Company name, management, personnel, and the current product mix.

Upon acquisition, Dennis Company stores will become part of the Ace network, and will be a division of Westlake Ace Hardware.

The Dennis Company opened in 1905, and has been operated by four generations of Dennis family members. The Ace deal was arranged through the current Dennis co-owners, Brent and Randy Dennis.

“Westlake is a growing and vibrant brand,” said Joe Jeffries, president and COO of Westlake Ace Hardware. “We are excited to welcome the Dennis Company into the Westlake family, expand our relationship within the communities they serve, and continue their proud tradition of outstanding customer service.”

Westlake has followed a course of steady expansion in recent years. Most recently, Westlake expanded into Chicago with the acquisition of Buikema’s Ace Hardware.