NEWS + ANALYSIS HDW makes Handy investment World and Main divests its Handy Hardware business, and HDW feels strengthened First a co-op, then a distributor, then a division of World and Main, the entity formerly known as Handy Hardware Wholesale has had a roller coaster ride since 2010. The long ride hits a new stretch with the sale of the World and Main (Houston) division to Hardware Distribution Warehouses. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. Employee-owned Hardware Distribution Warehouses, based in Shreveport, La., provides inventory and retail services to lumberyards, hardware stores and farm and ranch retailers. “We are excited to add important geography to our distribution network that will allow us to serve 2,000 retail locations,” said Kenny Beauvais, HDW CEO and president. “This will also add experienced talent to our employee- owned company that will strengthen our position in the marketplace and our offerings to our retailers.” The acquisition expands HDW’s business further into Texas and Oklahoma and adds approximately 13,000 products to the company’s current offerings. Jimmy Horne, HDW VP of corporate communications, said World and Main customers will receive the same type of service as in the past and HDW customers will benefit from broader product selection and inventory. HDW operates distribution centers in Greenwood, Miss., and Shreveport. The acquisition adds 400,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space from the World and Main Houston division distribution center in Houston. HDW serves retailers in nine states 10 Scene from a recent HDW market — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas — and is a member/owner of Distribution America, which describes itself as the nation’s largest network of independent hardware and paint sundries wholesale distributors. At World and Main headquarters in Cranbury, N.J., the sale marks the end of strategic review of the Handy Hardware business. “This divestiture is consistent with our focus on growing our core businesses and executing on our long- term strategic plan” said Bryan Yeazel, president and CEO of World and Main. “Handy Hardware has a strong team with a business model that is highly complementary to HDW’s. We are grateful to our Handy team for their tireless work and wish them the best for a smooth transition.” The move allows World and Main to focus energy and capital on its strategic growth plan, Yeazel said: “This transaction will amplify World and Main’s capabilities, allowing us to be a better partner with our customers. We look forward to serving our customers across our broad product offering in the home, hardware and building supply categories.” JANUARY 2017 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER Major moments in recent Handy Hardware history December 2010: Meridian, Miss., distribution center opens. May 2011: Amid IT troubles, Kenneth White assumes CEO post. December 2012: Meridian distribution center closes. January 2013: Handy Hard- ware files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. July 2013: Doug Miller named CEO. August 2013: Handy officially acquired by Hardware Holdings, the forerunner of World and Main. Craig Cowart tapped to lead Handy. January 2016: The debut of the World and Main market, formerly the Handy Hardware market. November 2016: HDW acquires World and Main (Houston). HBSDealer.com