W.T. Harvey acquired by CNRG

Natchez, Miss.-based Central Network Retail Group (CNRG) has acquired W.T. Harvey Lumber of Columbus, Ga.

Harvey currently operates two stores -- one in Columbus and one in Phenix City, Ala.

The company was established in 1863 and is one of the oldest lumberyards in the country. W.T. Harvey will continue to be managed by the founder’s great-great grandson, Bailey Gross, who has been hired by CNRG.

“We are excited about the addition of the W.T. Harvey to our company,” said Jimmy Smith, chairman of CNRG. “W.T. Harvey is a great fit with our strategy at CNRG.”

CNRG president Boyden Moore described W.T. Harvey as a good company that hit hard times. "Bailey and his team have built great relationships with their customers over the years," Moore said. "We are excited to invest in this opportunity and help improve their ability to take care of their customers’ needs. This will be a great example of the synergy that CNRG was designed to create.” 

CNRG currently operates 41 home center and hardware stores in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina and Georgia under the Home Hardware Center, Morrison Terrebonne Lumber Center, NFL Home Center, Elliott’s Hardware, Town & Country Hardware, Habersham Hardware and Home Center, and W.T. Harvey Lumber brands. CNRG was formed on May 1, 2011, by Smith, president of Home Hardware and Moore, president of Tyndale Advisors. The company says it is "building a multi-format, multi-brand operating company through strategic partnerships and acquisitions."