Ace Hardware Corp., Oak Brook, IL, retailer-owned hardware cooperative, has acquired Emery-Waterhouse, a distributor of hardlines products for independent lumber, paint, industrial and hardware outlets.

Emery-Waterhouse will move forward as an independently operated, majority-owned subsidiary of Ace Hardware. The Emery-Waterhouse brand will continue operations as a separate business with a distinct management team that provides wholesale distribution services to independent retailers.

The leadership team of Emery-Waterhouse will remain, including Steve Frawley, CEO, and Don Dickson, COO. Emery-Waterhouse’s long-time majority owner, Charlie Hildreth, will continue to have a presence in the organization.

“The acquisition of Emery-Waterhouse serves as a tremendous catalyst to leverage wholesale purchasing power,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO, Ace Hardware Corp. “We are confident that both Ace retailers and Emery-Waterhouse customers will benefit from the additional scale and expanded assortments.”