On April 3, Grainger announced that it has acquired 100% of the shares of AnFreixo S.A. of Brazil.
AnFreixo, which has been in business since 1943, is a leading distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies in Brazil. The company had 2011 sales of approximately $37 million. From its distribution center in Sao Paulo, AnFreixo serves more than 2,000 customers.
Previously a subsidiary of the Votorantim Group, AnFreixo will now operate under the Grainger name. A large part of AnFreixo’s current sales are to affiliates of the Votorantim Group. As part of the acquisition, Grainger will enter into a supply agreement the Votorantim Group—meaning they will continue to purchase MRO products from AnFreixo.
We’re excited to enter Brazil through the acquisition of AnFreixo,” said Mike Pulick, senior vice president and president of Grainger International. “Many of Grainger’s customers have operations in Brazil and they’re looking to Grainger to help them keep their operations running efficiently and keep their employees safe on the job. This acquisition is a great step forward in our continued focus on meeting the needs of businesses throughout the Latin American region.”
“We expect a seamless transition for our employees and customers and know they will appreciate and benefit from the expanded product offering and industry knowledge that comes from joining forces with North America’s leading broad line industrial distributor,” Ernani Araujo, president of AnFreixo.
Grainger has been growing its business in Latin America and currently has operations Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama and Puerto Rico.
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