At ABC Supply, shares return to co-founder

Beloit, Wis.-based ABC Supply Holding Corp., the parent company of American Builders & Contractors Supply Co. (“ABC Supply”), has entered into a definitive agreement to redeem all of the shares held by its minority shareholders, an investor group led by Advent International. 

Upon the closing of the transaction, 100% of the shares of ABC Supply will be controlled by the company’s co-founder, Diane M. Hendricks.

This transaction will bring a successful partnership with Advent to its natural conclusion. In 2010, Advent sponsored ABC Supply’s acquisition of its portfolio company, Bradco Supply, and became a large minority shareholder. After a very successful integration and nearly three years of strong financial performance, Advent and other minority holders are exiting the investment.

“I believe that the combination of ABC and Bradco and our partnership with Advent have been extremely positive and have served all parties very well,” Hendricks said.

David Luck, CEO and president of ABC Supply, continued: “We are pleased that our operating performance has allowed both majority and minority shareholders to accelerate their plans for the share redemption.”

The transaction is expected to close in April.

ABC operates more than 450 branches in 45 states. Sales exceeded $4.6 billion in 2012.