Second appliance acquisition for Ferguson this year
Newport News, VA – Ferguson, the largest wholesale plumbing distributor in the U.S., announces the acquisition of Factory Direct Appliance, Inc. (Factory Direct Appliance) in an asset transaction completed April 28, 2014.
Factory Direct Appliance is a seven location appliance dealer with five showrooms in Kansas City, Mo., and two outlying locations in Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb. The company was originally founded in 1988 by Dennis and Suzanne Birkestrand, who previously spent 22 years with The Maytag Company. Joined later by partners Rod Holsapple and Steve Johnson, Factory Direct Appliance has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the greater Kansas City area. Post-acquisition, the company will operate as Factory Direct Appliance, a Ferguson enterprise.
“This acquisition, in combination with the acquisition of Karl’s Appliance earlier this year, demonstrates our commitment to the appliance business,” said Ferguson CEO Frank Roach. “Similar to Ferguson, Factory Direct Appliance is known for its longstanding relationships with both its builder and retail customers. We are excited about our new association with Factory Direct and look forward to serving our customers in Kansas City, Des Moines and Omaha.”
“We want the Factory Direct Appliance experience to be the most memorable, successful and enjoyable aspect of the home building or remodeling process for both contractors and their customers,” said Factory Direct Appliance President Dennis Birkestrand. “I know Ferguson shares the same customer service philosophy and I’m confident this acquisition will help further position the company as a true market leader.”
In January, Ferguson acquired Karl’s Appliance, one of the 30 largest appliance dealers in the country. Karl’s Appliance has six showrooms in northern New Jersey and a similar showroom layout as Factory Direct Appliance.
