Wesco enters agreement to acquire National Coatings & Supplies

Wesco Group has entered into an agreement to acquire National Coatings & Supplies (NCS), a distributor of coatings and related solutions to aftermarket automotive refinish and especially industrial customers, according to a Monday press release. 

“NCS is a highly respected organization with deep industry roots, an exceptional team, and a long-standing commitment to customer service,” said Lloyd White, CEO and co-founder of Wesco, in the release. “Bringing our organizations together strengthens our shared mission: to be the industry’s most trusted and full-service provider of specialty coatings, equipment, and related supplies. We look forward to welcoming our NCS colleagues and building an even stronger platform for our customers and supplier partners.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the press release. The two companies will continue to operate as separate and independent companies until closing of the transaction, which is subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals. 

“The transaction represents a transformative opportunity, combining our organizations to deliver increased value to our customers and accelerated growth potential for the vendors we represent,” said John Leavy, president and CEO of NCS, in the release. “Our employees will experience expanded opportunities for career growth, and the chance to work on new and exciting challenges within the combined organization.”

According to the release, the combination of the two companies unites similar values and a common focus on customer service, supplier partnership, people, and long-term growth. The agreement provides the companies with a broader national footprint, expands product offerings, and enhances levels of customer support and technical expertise. 

“This combination represents an exciting opportunity for both organizations,” said Josh Cox, president of Wesco, in the release. “Customers will benefit from expanded product access, deeper technical resources, and a larger team committed to helping shops improve performance and succeed. For our supplier partners, this combination establishes a unified platform that makes it easier to support customers consistently across North America.”

Earlier this month, AkzoNobel and Axalta announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals, creating a “premier global coatings company” with an enterprise value of $25 billion, according to a press release.

The companies say coming together will “better serve customers across key end markets and enhance value for shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders” through complementary portfolios of highly regarded brands.

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