Ferguson PLC (FERG.L, FERGY, WOSCF), a specialist distributor of plumbing and heating products and parent company of Ferguson Enterprises, Newport News, Virginia, the largest plumbing distributor in the U.S., has agreed to acquire Columbia Pipe & Supply Co., Chicago. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Columbia Pipe is an independent distributor specializing in PVF, commercial mechanical, commercial plumbing, industrial, valve automation, engineered products and hydronics. The business was founded in 1935 and employs approximately 375 associates, with 16 locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana. In the year ended 31 December 2019, Columbia Pipe generated revenue of $220 million.

“Chicago is the third largest city in the US with a substantial commercial market,” said Kevin Murphy, Ferguson CEO. “Columbia Pipe has a strong reputation and well-established vendor and customer relationships in this important region. This acquisition accelerates our Chicago market strategy and will allow us to rapidly expand our existing capabilities across the Mid-West.”