Rainier-Backed Wilmar Adds EZRED to Automotive Tool and Equipment Platform

SEATTLE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rainier Partners and its portfolio company Wilmar, LLC are pleased to announce the platform’s acquisition of EZRED, a leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of lighting, tool organization, and hand tools for the automotive aftermarket.

EZRED was founded in 1966 and has grown to be a premier designer and engineer of innovative products focused on serving the professional and consumer automotive markets worldwide. Based in Denville, New Jersey, EZRED has built a reputation of excellence, providing unparalleled customer solutions to its partners for nearly 60 years.

“We’re looking forward to joining forces with the Rainier and Wilmar teams,” said EZRED President and CEO Bob Cacciabeve, who will continue with the company along with his son, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Frank Cacciabeve. “This collaboration — strengthened by Wilmar’s scale, global sourcing capabilities, and logistics expertise — represents a tremendous opportunity to deliver even greater value to our customer base by enabling us to more rapidly grow our portfolio of innovative products. We are excited for the future with the Wilmar platform.”

Founded in 1971, Wilmar is one of the leading distributors of hand tools, specialty tools, and related accessories in North America, primarily serving customers through the automotive retail channel. The highly synergistic partnership with EZRED bolsters Wilmar’s exposure to the attractive professional segment of the automotive aftermarket, while introducing cross-selling opportunities across both end markets and customer bases.

“Wilmar is thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with EZRED,” said Wilmar CEO Ken Hartman. “The company brings leading engineering and product design talent to the platform, which will allow us to accelerate the introduction of new products. We look forward to working with EZRED to bring high-quality products and outstanding customer service to our growing client bases.”

“The addition of EZRED is expected to drive Wilmar’s growing presence in the professional automotive channel, while supplementing our longstanding legacy strength in the consumer market,” said Rainier Co-Founder and Managing Partner Alex Rolfe.

“Rainier is excited to support the combined Wilmar and EZRED teams as we collectively work to continue to innovate, deliver quality service to our customers, and expand into new verticals,” added Rainier Principal Luke Bench.

Rainier and Wilmar are actively seeking opportunities to partner with businesses specializing in tools and garage equipment. Business owners interested in learning more should contact Luke Bench at [e-mail].

Fairmount Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to EZRED.

EZRED’s focus is to design, manufacture, and deliver the highest quality tools and lights through partnerships and global brands. With excellence in customer service and a unique understanding of markets, EZRED provides complete customer solutions to its partners. Since 1966, EZRED has continuously grown in serving the professional and consumer markets worldwide with specialty hand tools, tool organizers, LED flashlights, and work lights. Please visit www.ezred.com for more information.

Wilmar, LLC, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Kent, WA, is a supplier, distributor, and category manager of specialty tools, hand tools, and equipment for over 750 customers in the automotive aftermarket, hardware, farm and fleet, and industrial end markets. From wrenches to grease guns and branded products to private label offerings, Wilmar works with customers to develop, source, and manage a comprehensive catalog of products. Please visit www.wilmarllc.com for more information.

Rainier Partners is a Seattle-based private equity firm with over $400 million in assets under management that invests in lower middle-market services businesses. We look for opportunities where we can actively support business owners and management teams by providing growth capital, operational resources, and strategic partnership. We focus on industries in which we have extensive experience, a network of partners, and deep resources: business services, consumer services, industrial services, and financial services. We typically invite the founders or management teams of our portfolio companies to invest alongside us to align interests. Please visit www.rainierpartners.com for more information.

Not an offer, solicitation, or recommendation of securities or advisory services. This document is for informational purposes only.