Kelso & Company has acquired Bearing Distributors, Inc.

Bearing Distributors, Inc.

Bearing Distributors, Inc. (BDI) is a leading distributor of bearings, power transmission and fluid power products, certain automation products and services and related industrial solutions serving a broad and diversified customer base across end markets in 11 countries. Led by its CEO, Carl James, BDI is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with over 205 locations globally. The company has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, deep supplier relationships and a solutions and productivity service model that has made it a trusted partner to its customers.

The Deal

BDI’s senior leadership will remain significant shareholders following the transaction, providing strong continuity and alignment as the company moves into its next stage of development. The partnership is designed to preserve the values, culture and long-term perspective that have been central to BDI’s success while positioning the business to pursue its future growth objectives. With Kelso’s support, BDI will benefit from additional financial and strategic resources to advance both organic initiatives and acquisition-driven expansion. Kelso’s experience investing alongside management teams in the distribution sector, together with its broad network and institutional capabilities, will provide BDI with a strong foundation to further scale the platform.

Kelso & Company

Kelso is a North American-focused middle market private equity firm founded on the principles of partnership and alignment of interest championed by Louis Kelso, the inventor of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Since 1980, Kelso has invested approximately $20 billion of equity capital in over 140 transactions. Kelso benefits from a successful investment track record, deep sector expertise, long-tenured investment team and reputation as a preferred partner to management teams and corporates.

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