BLACKHAWK INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION ACQUIRES ROGERS INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY
Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 6, 2011
— BlackHawk Industrial Distribution today announced the acquisition of Rogers
Industrial Supply, a leading industrial distributor serving the MRO marketplace. BlackHawk Industrial was formed in 2010
by Bill Scheller, former CEO and President of ORS Nasco, Inc., and Brazos Private Equity Partners, LLC, a leading Dallas-based
private investment firm, to pursue an active buy and build strategy of industrial based distributors. Financial terms of
the transaction were not disclosed.
Rogers Industrial is the second acquisition of BlackHawk Industrial and follows the recent acquisition of Oklahoma-based
Duncan Industrial Solutions. With the Rogers Industrial acquisition, BlackHawk expands its geographic footprint in the
Southwest region of the U.S. BlackHawk is looking to acquire additional U.S. based distributors participating in the $400+
billion industrial distribution end market.
Founded in 1974, Rogers Industrial is one of the premier industrial distributors of MRO supplies and equipment in the
Arkansas market. Mr. Scheller said: “We are excited to have Rogers Industrial as part of BlackHawk Industrial. Rogers
Industrial, lead by Carl Norris, has a long history of strong customer and vendor relationships in its local marketplace
which will be further enhanced as part of Blackhawk Industrial. Rogers Industrial will also gain access to additional
resources and a broader product offering to provide to its customers, including a proven integrated solution offering.”
Mr. Scheller also added: “Carl Norris will be a valued member of the BlackHawk Industrial team on a go forward basis.
Carl is well respected in the industry and currently services on the board of directors of Industrial Supply Association and
also sits on its Strategic Planning Task Force. Carl will help to continue to grow Blackhawk Industrial organically and
through future acquisitions.”
Background of Bill Scheller
Bill was most recently CEO of ORS Nasco, one of the largest, pure wholesale distributors of industrial supplies in North
America. Bill has held leadership positions for almost 30 years at companies such as Pillsbury, Patterson Companies, as
well as ORS Nasco. During nine years at ORS Nasco, Bill provided the overall leadership and direction for the company in
North America. ORS Nasco experienced significant revenue and earnings growth, improved operations and working
capital efficiency and enhanced its sales and marketing capabilities. These efforts led to the successful sale of ORS Nasco
to United Stationers, Inc. in 2007.
About Brazos Private Equity Partners, LLC
Brazos Private Equity Partners is a Dallas-based private equity firm that manages approximately $1.4 billion of equity
capital. Brazos seeks to partner with outstanding management teams and/or families of closely-held middle-market
businesses to maximize value. Brazos has been one of the most active middle-market private equity investment firms over
the past decade, having completed 55 acquisitions in a broad range of industries including consumer, food and beverage,
business and financial services, healthcare, manufacturing / industrial and distribution. Brazos has significant experience
acquiring, growing and monetizing distribution businesses. Since 2002, Brazos has invested in four successful distribution
companies: ORS Nasco, Inc., Shelter Distribution, Inc., Strategic Equipment and Supply Corporation and Tri-Northern
Security Distribution, Inc.
Contact
Bill Scheller, CEO
BlackHawk Industrial Distribution, Inc.
7633 East 63rd Place Suite 300
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
Cell: 918-360-1810
Work: 918-459-4558
Fax: 918-459-4550
