Acklands-Grainger acquires Quebec distributor

TORONTO: Acklands-Grainger Inc., Canada’s largest distributor of industrial, safety and fastener supplies, has purchased Solus Securite Inc., a Quebec-based full-service distributor of fire protection and safety products.

With 2009 sales of about $20 million, Solus Securite has locations in Trois Rivieres, Victoriaville, Montreal and Sorel.

Terms of the deal, which took affect on September 17, were not disclosed.

“Our Quebec customers have told us they want more products and services available to them that help them keep their facilities and employees safe,” said Sean O’Brien, president of Acklands-Grainger. “Working together with our new team members and sharing best practices, we will leverage our combined expertise to offer local customers more of the products and services they need, where and when they need them, including safety product repairs and technical support.”

In business for more than 73 years and employing more than 135, Acklands-Grainger has served Quebec, making significant investments across the province to meet the evolving needs of local business, including its acquisition of Excel Industriel in 2008.

“Solus Securite has worked hard since 1978 to provide businesses and institutions in Quebec with quality, full-service distribution and strong technical expertise,” said Normand Belanger, president of Solus Securite. “We are thrilled to be joining Canada’s leading industrial, safety and fastener distributor and know our customers will benefit from Acklands-Grainger’s broad product offering, industry-leading supply chain and commitment to service.”

The companies announced that they will continue to operate separately in their respective locations for the immediate future.