Baltimore— J.J. Haines & Co. has acquired Orlando, Fla.-based Wheeler, giving the distributor access to the Florida market where Wheeler is one of the state’s leading wholesalers. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With annual sales of approximately $50 million, the transaction puts Haines’ yearly volume at roughly $400 million. Haines will now service its customers via seven distribution centers with total warehousing space of 500,000 square feet. And, with the addition of Wheeler’s more than 70 employees, Haines’ total now stands at 475.

In addition to supporting Haines’ growth strategy by gaining access to the Florida market, the companies share common core values, noted Bruce Zwicker , president and CEO of J.J. Haines. “Wheeler’s customer focus and care for its people makes its culture very compatible with ours. Plus, its fast growth rate in an attractive market is appealing.”

As part of the transaction, Haines purchased the Wheeler name, facilities and other assets. “We are in a growth mode,” he added. “This could include acquisitions, alliances, new customers and products, and new warehouses.”

Zwicker also stated although Wheeler will continue to operate as Wheeler, it has become a division of J.J. Haines in Florida. And while there was not much of an overlap between products carried by the two wholesalers, he mentioned Anderson as one that was. In addition to Wheeler’s hourly employees, its management team, he added, stays on. “We’re fortunate to have such experienced employees on board.”

Scott Wheeler, president of Wheeler, said there are numerous opportunities and capabilities that a company like Haines can provide. “We can accelerate our growth within the Florida market and provide an even greater service to our customers.”

Bonnie Davis, vice president and COO of the new Haines division, said, “There are many ways we can help each other. We can teach Haines about how to grow in Florida, and we can benefit from its expertise in areas such as logistics, information technology, human resources and other programs for our customers and employees.”

Wheeler’s suppliers, including some of the leading brands in the industry, have been very supportive of the transaction. Don Finkell, CEO of Anderson, said, “This is an amazing merger of two great companies; the future for them will be exciting.”

Roy Foster, vice president of sales with Unilin, which includes Quick•Step and now Columbia flooring products, agreed, “We will support them because we know and respect both companies. We’re confident they will deliver sales growth for us.”

Haines’ chairman, Mort Creech, concluded, “The formation of a Florida division is an important step in our strategy. It is easy to take this step with a company like Wheeler, whose values and traditions of service compare well with our own.”

For more information, call 410.760.4040.