TriMark Buys Texas-Based Strategic Equipment

In an acquisition that reorders the shape of the E&S distribution field, TriMark USA, LLC has acquired Strategic Equipment and Supply Corp., headquartered in Coppell, Texas. The acquisition positions TriMark as the nation’s largest foodservice equipment and supplies distributor. With the addition of this new division, the South Attleboro, Mass., company can report revenue of more than $850 million and 1,450 employees in 26 physical locations.

“This acquisition strengthens TriMark’s position with key customer segments and extends our reach into Texas, Florida and Minnesota,” said TriMark Pres./CEO Jerry Hyman. “It also expands our capabilities to include equipment leasing and repair services, as well as opens the door to a new market segment, grocery store chains.”

“Although many of the companies we have acquired over the years are very diverse in market segments served and geographic reach,” Hyman added, “they all share the same core strengths and values—they are well-run, profitable and have great employees. They enjoy an excellent reputation with both their customers and vendors and strive to be the best at what they do. TriMark Strategic is a perfect example.”

Strategic Equipment was originally formed in 2000 through the merger of six equipment and supply distributors, all of whom previously had been closely held and, in most cases, second-generation family businesses. The firm has 450 employees. “This is a very exciting day for our employees and especially our customers,” stated Strategic Pres. Marty Monnat. “We are combining the resources of two great companies that are highly regarded nationally and at the local level.

“We are very pleased that this transaction was completed, as we have a lot in common with TriMark. We share the same values and principles: how we serve our customers, how we treat our employees and how we strive to be the very best in the business, and we are excited to now be part of the TriMark family.”

Monnat will serve as president of the newly renamed TriMark Strategic and continue to oversee the company’s 12 sales and distribution locations in Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Tennessee and its home state.

Last year’s FER Top Dealer rankings had TriMark in the No. 2 slot, with reported 2011 sales of $560 million. In the months after that report, the firm acquired Georgia-based Century Concepts and San Francisco Bay-based Federighi Design. TriMark has a dozen divisions, including TriMark United East in South Attleboro, Mass.; TriMark Marlinn in Chicago; TriMark SS Kemp in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Pittsburgh; TriMark Foodcraft in Winston-Salem, N.C.; TriMark Raygal in Irvine, Calif; TriMark Economy Restaurant Fixtures in San Francisco and Sacramento, Calif.; TriMark Gill Group in Crofton, Md.; TriMark Gill Marketing in Phoenix; TriMark RobertClark in Irvine, Calif.; and BigTray in San Francisco.