Manufacturing & Distribution
Wilmar Corporation has been acquired by Rainier Partners
Published January 11, 2022
CLA Meridian Capital Advises Wilmar Corporation in its Acquisition by Rainier Partners
CLA Meridian Capital (“CLA Meridian Capital”), a leading Seattle-based middle market investment bank and M&A advisory firm is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of one of its clients, Wilmar Corporation (“Wilmar” or the “Company”), by Rainier Partners (“Rainier”).
Based in Kent, Washington, Wilmar is a supplier, distributor, and category manager of specialty tools, hand tools, and equipment for over 750 customers in the automotive aftermarket, hardware, farm and fleet, and industrial end markets. Trading under multiple brand names, including Performance Tool, Wilmar provides quality tools, great service, and innovative packaging and product support to retail and distributor customers. The acquisition by Rainier Partners provides a great partner to support the continued growth of the Performance Tool brand.
Jon Cantalini, CEO and owner of Wilmar Corporation shared “The CLA Meridian Capital team drove a highly customized and comprehensive approach to our process that led to a competitive process and great outcome. Our team is excited about the partnership with Rainier Partners and what it means for the next phase of growth at Wilmar. CLA Meridian Capital provided excellent guidance and a thoughtful strategy throughout the transaction.”
Brian Murphy, President and Managing Director at CLA Meridian Capital stated, “It was an honor to work with Wilmar and the Cantalini family. We appreciate them trusting us with this opportunity. Wilmar and the Performance Tool brand have experienced tremendous growth and built a differentiated position in the automotive specialty tool category over the past two decades. The Company’s new partnership with Rainier positions the business for accelerated growth in new channels and geographies.”
This transaction represents continued momentum for CLA Meridian Capital’s Diversified Industrials practice. Other recent transactions include:
- LOTS Group acquisition of Bellwether Forest Products
- Shoemaker Manufacturing’s acquisition by CSW Industrials
- Rainier Industries’ acquisition by LFM Capital
- Weatherhaven’s acquisition by White Wolf Capital
CLA Meridian Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to Wilmar on the transaction, while Karr Tuttle Campbell and Moss Adams LLP provided Wilmar’s legal and accounting advisory services, respectively.
ABOUT WILMAR CORPORATION
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Kent, WA, Wilmar is a supplier, distributor, and category manager of specialty tools, hand tools, and equipment for over 750 customers in the automotive aftermarket, hardware, farm and fleet, and industrial end markets. From wrenches to grease guns and branded products to private label offerings, Wilmar works with customers to develop, source, planogram, and manage a comprehensive catalog of products. www.wilmarcorp.com.
For more information, please contact:
Managing Principal of Investment Banking
About Meridian Capital
Meridian Capital LLC is a leading independent middle market M&A advisory firm with locations in Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, the Bay Area, Raleigh, and Orange County. Meridian has served as a trusted advisor to business owners on complex corporate finance, M&A and strategic challenges for over 30 years. The firm differentiates itself through its deep industry insights, highly customized service approach, and end-to-end commitment to execution. With a unique combination of financial, transactional, and operational professionals on your side, Meridian offers the depth and breadth of experience required to serve leading middle market companies in multiple sectors including aerospace defense & space, food, beverage & agribusiness, business services, consumer, diversified industrials, engineering & construction, building products, technology, and telecommunications. Meridian also offers clients unparalleled cross-border capabilities through its REACH M&A Partners network.
