Northbrook, Ill.— Certain assets of Integra Integrated Procurement Solutions were sold at auction on April 17, following a March Chapter 11 filing. There was a pre-auction purchase of Ross Willoughby assets by Omaha, Neb.-based Precision Industries. Sanders Acquisition, The Indusco Group and H&P Technologies purchased certain Integra assets.

Integra was formed by acquiring solid companies. Because of the reputation and talent at some of these business units buyers looked to acquire those divisions after the company collapsed. Integra's attorney, William Kohn, told ID on April 23 that about two-thirds of the company's assets had been sold, the remainder would be liquidated and no more branches would be sold intact.

Precision purchased two Ohio branches and certain other assets for an undisclosed amount. This is the latest of several Precision acquisitions made during the last year.

When asked how his company planned to avoid the fate of the many failed consolidators and rollups, president Denis Circo emphasized Precision is not a consolidator. He indicated that most consolidators had financial experience but lacked knowledge of the industrial distribution business.

"Industrial distribution is not easy even if that is all you do," said Circo. "After 34 years in the business, we understand what has to happen. You can't pile on a mountain of debt."

He said Integra was one of the rollups that offered to acquire Precision in the past.

"Acquisitions and their integration is a huge challenge," said Circo. "With so much experience, we have it down to a drill. We do acquisitions right."

General manager of the newly formed Ross-Willoughby/Precision group Arden Cooper agrees. After 22 years in the distribution business, Cooper has experienced five acquisitions and this was the smoothest by far.

"The process was well-ordered. Precision communicated its goals every step of the way and it was a great fit," said Cooper. "Within 10 days, the employees were onboard and most of our key customers were receptive to our new offerings."

He says Circo met with a customer that was reluctant to remain with the distributor.

"Not only did we secure the facility in question, but extended service to plants in Arkansas and Mexico," said Cooper. "We have all been impressed with Precision's performance."

Precision wasn't the only company to find a good fit in the fragments of Integra. The Indusco Group of Baltimore, Md., purchased Rubber World-R/W Connection, Inc., for $6.27 million.

"We are extremely excited about the quality of the people with R/W, as they were the main factor in our decision to pursue the acquisition,'' said Otis Dufrene, president and CEO of Indusco. "R/W Connection, Inc. is a natural fit as we continue to expand our presence in the industrial rubber products market.''

R/W Connection has 40 employees and makes custom hose, conveyor belting and gaskets. It also operates an industrial supply division in Pennsylvania.

Dufrene said the company will retain the R/W Connection name. It also named Don Fritzinger, a 16-year veteran of R/W Connection, as its vice president and general manager.

The Allar Automotive unit of Integra was a welcome addition to H&P Technologies of Warren, Mich., said vice president Steve Lesha.

"Allar has an excellent reputation for superior parts and services," said Lesha. "It is a tough industry, but the acquisition will further diversify our customer base while adding new products and services."

He said H&P plans to keep Allar employees and management intact. H&P purchased Allar for $611,000

"We provide a high level of service," said Lesha. "The acquisition will enhance that level of service and help us to more deeply penetrate our territory."