Genuine Parts Company announced recently that it has completed the sale of its S.P. Richards operations through two separate transactions. The company has sold S.P. Richards’ core U.S. operations to an investor group led by industry professionals and has sold S.P. Richards’ Supply Source Enterprises business (SSE), comprised of The Safety Zone and Impact Products operations, to an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital. Both transactions are effective June 30, 2020. GPC expects to use the net cash proceeds from the transactions to enhance its cash position for capital allocation and to repay debt.
S.P. Richards Co. is a leading national business products wholesaler that distributes more than 98,000 products to 9,000 resellers and distributors throughout the United States from a network of 44 locations. Its core U.S. operations offer products and services in four primary product categories, including general office products, technology products and accessories, office furniture and JanSan and safety supplies, to national and independent business products resellers and janitorial supply distributors. The Safety Zone and Impact Products operations specialize in providing personal protective equipment and janitorial, safety, hygiene and sanitation products to a diversified customer base, including janitorial and sanitation supply distributors, safety products resellers, foodservice and food processing distributors and retailers.
Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO of GPC, stated, “The sale of S.P. Richards represents the further streamlining of our operations and a significant step forward in our long-term strategy to optimize our portfolio. With this divestiture, we will continue to opportunistically expand our global footprint and strengthen our focus on sustainable, value-driving initiatives associated with our faster growing and higher margin automotive and industrial businesses.”
Donahue added, “On behalf of the GPC board and management team, I want to thank Rick Toppin and the S.P. Richards team, whose hard work and dedication has made these transactions possible. Both the Investor Group and H.I.G. are supported by talented and experienced teams, and we are confident they are the right partners to lead these respective operations into the future. We look forward to working closely with them to support a smooth transition for our employees, customers and supply base, particularly during the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19.”
Yancey Jones, on behalf of the investor group, said, “Our group comprises several industry leaders who envision a new, industry-changing alignment and partnership among manufacturers, wholesalers and resellers. This represents a shift in the traditional industry supply chain that will eliminate redundant costs and help all partners become more competitive. The acquisition of S.P. Richards’ core U.S. operations represents a major step forward in this process, and we are focused on strengthening our mutually beneficial partnerships and driving long-term, sustainable value creation.”
Rahul Vinnakota, managing director at H.I.G., said, “SSE offers an extensive product portfolio and differentiated value-added services to distributors servicing a wide array of end users across several end markets. We appreciate the loyalty and support of SSE’s strong customer base during these difficult times and look forward to continuing to exceed their expectations in the future. H.I.G. will bring additional expertise and resources to SSE to support management as they continue to broaden SSE’s customer base, expand offerings and enhance services. Importantly, given the critical role of these businesses in the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring continuity of service to customers while prioritizing the wellbeing of employees.”
J.P. Morgan is acting as financial advisor and Troutman Sanders LLP is acting as legal counsel to GPC.
B. Riley Financial is acting as financial advisor and Whiteford Taylor Preston, LLP is acting as legal counsel to the investor group. Harris Williams and Robert W. Baird are acting as financial advisors and McDermott, Will & Emery is acting as legal counsel to H.I.G. Capital.
