Private equity firm Gen Cap America has sold Thomas Pipe & Supply, a Phoenix, AZ distributor of industrial pipe, valves and fittings, to Winsupply. Gen Cap acquired Thomas Pipe & Supply in 2008. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Thomas Pipe & Supply is a distributor of industrial pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) to the MRO and industrial markets. Founded in 1983, Thomas Pipe has grown to be the largest PVF distributor in the state of Arizona and has enjoyed consistently strong performance through innovation, product line expansion, industry-leading customer service and a superior operating model.
Gen Cap America invested in Thomas Pipe alongside President Don Helmlinger Jr, who will remain with the company as President after the sale.
Helmlinger says: “Since partnering with Gen Cap in 2008, we continued to exceed our customers’ expectations by working hard, providing quality products, and developing long-lasting and dependable relationships. The team at Gen Cap allowed us the flexibility to execute our goals while providing support at every step of our path.”
Chris Godwin, Managing Director at Gen Cap America, adds: “It has been a great pleasure partnering with Don and the entire Thomas Pipe team, and we are happy that our partnership produced successful results for the company and investors. The Thomas Pipe investment is a solid demonstration of Gen Cap America’s ability to execute a buyout of and transition from a retiring owner. In addition, it adds to our portfolio of successful investments in the distribution space.”
Barney Byrd, President of Gen Cap, says: “Thomas Pipe has been an excellent example of our firm’s long history of teaming with existing management in lower middle market companies.”
