Construction supplies distributor White Cap announced Jan. 29 that it is set to acquire Colony Hardware in a significant market boost that will net the Atlanta-based firm over 60 branches throughout the eastern half of the United States.

Terms weren’t shared for the pending transaction, and timing of closing was simply noted as “shortly”.

Colony — based in Orange, CT — has over 1,100 employees across 19 central and eastern states. The company serves as a distributor of tools, equipment, supplies, safety products and tool repairs and rentals serving residential, commercial and industrial contractors.

Colony’s roots date back to 1946 when it was founded as a single, family-owned hardware store in Meriden, CT. Today, it’s owned by Audax Private Equity — which bought Colony in late 2018 — with previous private owner Tailwind Capital and company management retaining a minority stake.

White Cap, meanwhile, is a distributor of concrete accessories and chemicals, tools and equipment, building materials and fasteners, erosion and waterproofing products and safety supplies to to contractors in non-residential, infrastructure and residential end markets. It was No. 7 on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors List for Building Supplies/Construction, with over 500 branches across North America and 11,000 employees.

“White Cap and Colony Hardware share a culture built on service and long‑term relationships,” White Cap CEO Alan Sollenberger said in a news release. “Once the transaction is closed, we will offer customers an even stronger suite of products, value‑added services and technical solutions, with more convenient access across an expanded network of locations. With the combination of our businesses, we will be able to provide even better service to our customers.”

White Cap is owned by PE firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice with a 65% stake and The Sterling Group at 35%. The company was sold by HD Supply in late 2020 in a $4 billion deal and combined with Construction Supply Group to form a major construction and safety supplies distributor.

The pending deal follows at least 10 acquisitions for White Cap in 2025 and 14 in 2024 — with almost all of them as small, tuck-in deals. Colony represents a substantially larger investment.

“Joining White Cap is a natural step for Colony due to our mutual focus on how we serve our customers – putting the customer first through teamwork,” added Larry Stoddard, Colony Hardware CEO. “Once combined, we will pair Colony’s delivery and distribution capabilities with White Cap’s complementary footprint and technical capabilities to provide even more convenience and value for our customers. Our associates will benefit from greater resources and new career paths, and we will remain committed to the longstanding relationships we’ve built with customers.”