Graybar Electric Co., St. Louis, has entered into an agreement to acquire Valin Corp., a distributor of automation, filtration, fluid handling, heating and process control products and systems. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close on May 1, 2023.
Headquartered in San Jose, CA, Valin provides technical solutions for the technology, energy, life sciences, natural resources and transportation industries. The company was founded in 1974 and operates 12 locations in the western and southwestern United States. As a subsidiary of Graybar, the company will continue to operate under the Valin name with the same leadership team, employees, and suppliers. The company is ranked #49 on Industrial Distribution’s most recent Top 50 list with $125 million in 2021 sales and 161 employees. Over the years, the company has made numerous acquisitions in various industrial markets, according to information on its website.
"We are excited to welcome the Valin team to Graybar," said Kathleen Mazzarella, chairman, president and CEO of Graybar, in the press release. "As Graybar expands its industrial automation platform, Valin's portfolio of products, solutions and technical resources complements our existing capabilities and provides a foundation for growth into new markets. We look forward to achieving long-term success, as we work together to serve our customers today and innovate for tomorrow."
"I believe Valin and Graybar are well aligned, not just from a business standpoint, but also from a cultural perspective," said Joseph C. Nettemeyer, Valin’s CEO, in the press release. "At Valin, we take pride in being a company that emphasizes growth, innovation and ownership. As we join Graybar, we will continue to build on these strengths, while we focus on providing exceptional service to our customers and investing in our future."
Over the past year, Graybar also acquired Walker Industrial Products, an automation distributor based in Newtown, CT; New England Drives & Controls, an automation distributor based in Southington, CT (through its Shingle & Gibb business); and CX Connexion, Buffalo Grove, IL.