Canada’s largest privately owned wholesaler just became bigger. On Sept. 12 Montreal-based Deschênes Group Inc. announced the acquisition of Ideal Supply Company Ltd., a southwestern Ontario wholesale distributor to the electrical, industrial and automotive industries, headquartered in Listowel, Ont.
The acquisition marks a new direction for the family-owned Deschênes Group in that Ideal Supply has a substantial presence in the automotive wholesale business and is a NAPA Auto Parts franchise.
“The auto parts industry, that Ideal Supply serve so well, will continue to be an integral part of our future success,” said Martin Deschênes president and CEO of Deschênes Group.
With the purchase, Deschênes Group will now operate nine companies across Canada, each managed independently. The name Ideal Supply will be retained, and its headquarters and distribution centre will continue to be in Listowel. The management team will also remain intact as does the franchise affiliation with NAPA.
Today’s distribution trends favour larger, integrated and more diverse companies. For Deschênes Group, the acquisition of Ideal Supply broadens the product and service offerings, enlarges the service area and strengthens the buying power of the company. Ultimately these factors are of significant importance in helping customers and suppliers achieve greater success, explained Deschênes.
“We are very proud to be able to welcome the forces of Ideal Supply into our group of companies” he said. “The entrepreneurial and customer culture at Ideal Supply fit perfectly with what Group Deschênes is recognized for. With the people of Ideal, we look forward to continue increasing our footprint in electrical supplies in Canada.”
“We are very happy to join Deschênes Group family of companies. Our cultural similarities, including the family one, will allow us to continue our growth plans for our customers’ and employees’ benefits,” added Tim MacDonald, president of Ideal Supply.
Founded in 1940, Deschênes Group is now the largest Canadian-owned distributor of plumbing supplies in the country and is also active in the waterworks, HVAC and electrical supplies segments. The company has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the past seven years.
Deschênes Group is a member of the Affiliated Distributors (AD) ), a North American buying group, through its Canadian Plumbing & Heating Division and Canadian Electrical Division. Ideal Supply will maintain its affiliation in the Electrical Division.
