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Sonepar Sells Vallen North America to Private Equity Firm

PARIS, France – Today, Sonepar announced it has entered into an agreement to sell Vallen Distribution, Inc. to Nautic Partners. 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 sale of approximately €1.6 billion (nearly $1.8 billion U.S. dollars) 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. “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 ownership change will mark an exciting new chapter for Vallen where a renewed focus can help accelerate performance while continuing to provide its customers with the excellent services, solutions, and products they expect,” Rob Taylor, President, North America for Sonepar added. “The Vallen associates served as talented and trusted colleagues and friends, and we look forward to seeing them thrive. The sale will lead to new opportunities for all involved.”

Vallen has locations in 27 states, including California, Texas, New York, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, and Tennessee. It’s website describes as an industrial distribution company. “We cover the vast majority of our customers’ maintenance, repair, operations and production-related needs. Vallen is also a leader in technical services with offerings that include safety equipment inspection, maintenance, certification and solution design. Many of our customers look to us for integrated supply solutions and vendor managed inventory, with Vallen associates on-site, bringing local knowledge and expertise to the specific needs of individual facilities.”

Chuck Delph, CEO of Vallen North America, said, “This partnership with Nautic marks an exciting new chapter for Vallen, with a focus on accelerating performance while continuing to provide our customers the excellent service, solutions, and products they expect. We are eager to move forward with Nautic’s support enhancing our strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and our Vallen team.”

The sale is anticipated to close as soon as possible, following regulatory approval.