Sonepar plans to sell its Vallen Distribution unit to Nautic Partners a private-equity firm with a large portfolio of industrial, healthcare and service companies based in Providence, RI. The sale will include all Vallen’s North American business (United States, Canada, and Mexico), which is heavily focused in industrial maintenance, repair & operations (MRO) and integrated supply services. The sale does not include Sonepar’s Vallen businesses in Asia which will remain part of the Sonepar Group. In 2021, Vallen North America recorded sales of approximately $1.8 billion and employed 4,200 associates.
“Sonepar’s decision to divest Vallen North America was the result of a strategic evaluation regarding the best path forward for Vallen and its associates,” said Philippe Delpech, Sonepar CEO, in the press release. “Going forward, Sonepar plans to focus on the growth and performance of its core electrical distribution businesses, making significant investments to grow the business organically and through acquisitions, and expand its fully digitalized omnichannel service to customers.”
The sale is anticipated to close as soon as possible, following regulatory approval.
