R&B Wholesale Distributors has acquired Midwest appliance retailer and distributor Grand Appliance, creating a larger independent appliance distribution platform backed by private equity firm Platinum Equity.

Platinum announced an agreement to invest in Grand on July 1 and combine the company with R&B, while investment bank Mesirow said Aug. 13 that it advised Grand on its completed sale to R&B. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1930, Grand is a fourth-generation family-owned business that operates 31 retail locations and five distribution centers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. The company serves retail consumers, builders and contractors through retail, distribution and eCommerce channels.

Grand will continue operating under its existing brand and leadership team. President Anish Gauri is becoming CEO of both Grand Appliance and R&B. Platinum said the companies will maintain their respective operating models while sharing knowledge and best practices and pursuing opportunities to expand their footprints and service capabilities.

“This partnership brings together two highly respected family businesses with deep legacies and distinct strengths to create one of the largest independent appliance distribution platforms in the country,” Platinum Equity Co-President Jacob Kotzubei said.

The transaction builds on Platinum’s February 2025 investment in Ontario, CA-based R&B, which was founded in 1968 and distributes major home appliances across California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. R&B primarily serves dealer, builder and property management customers across multifamily, single-family and light commercial markets.

At the time of that investment, the Burggraf family retained a minority ownership stake, while executives Connie Espina and Chris Burggraf remained with the company. Platinum said its plans included investments in R&B’s go-to-market capabilities, technology and geographic footprint, along with growth through potential acquisitions.

The addition of Grand represents a major step in that expansion strategy, extending the Platinum-backed appliance distribution platform from R&B’s western U.S. markets into the Midwest.

Mesirow Investment Banking served as Grand’s exclusive financial advisor, while Taft served as its legal counsel. Massumi + Consoli represented Platinum Equity.