Metro Atlanta's GMS Continues Acquisition Binge with 2 Distribution Businesses

Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO

Wednesday, April 4th, 2018

GMS Inc., a leading North American distributor of gypsum wallboard and suspended ceiling systems, announced the acquisition of two distribution businesses: the GSD distribution operations of Grabber Construction Products, Inc. (“Grabber Concord”) in Concord, CA and the GSD assets of CMH Distributing, Inc. (“CMH”) in Kearney, NE.

The acquisition of the Grabber Concord operation represents GMS’ entry into the San Francisco Bay Area and a key foothold to begin servicing one of the largest metro areas in the U.S. The acquisition pairs the operations of Grabber Concord, which has serviced customers in the Bay Area for over 30 years, with the operational expertise, service and scale of GMS subsidiary J&B Materials, Inc. (“J&B”). The Concord location will represent the seventh location for J&B, which currently has locations in Southern California and Hawaii.

J&B will welcome all distribution employees of the Concord branch to the J&B family.

Don Taylor, Vice President of the Western Division of GMS, commented, “We look forward to the opportunity to enhance our service of customers in the Bay Area. GMS' proven operating model and focus on customer service, combined with the outstanding reputation and long-term customer relationships of Grabber’s Concord team, will be a win-win for our customers, employees and investors.”

Roland Snyder, Chief Executive Officer of Grabber, stated, “Having our California GSD team join with the GMS family is the right move for Grabber. Our two companies share a level of dedication and drive that makes us natural partners. With GMS’ expert guidance, Grabber’s reputation in the Bay Area will continue to thrive and grow.”

In Nebraska, the GSD assets of CMH Distributing, Inc. are being acquired by Cherokee Building Materials and will join the Drywall Supply, Inc. (“DSI”) brand in Nebraska. It will be the third location in the state for DSI, which has longstanding operations in Lincoln and Omaha that serve commercial and residential customers throughout Nebraska.

The acquisition of the Kearney-based distribution operation will bring DSI’s products and services to a growing customer base in Central and Western Nebraska. Cory Halliwell, owner of CMH Distributing, commented, “I am truly excited to transition our GSD distribution operations to the GMS family. For over 15 years we’ve built a reputation based on our commitment to our customers and feel confident in the future of the business under GMS leadership.”

Jerry Speights, Vice President of the Central Division of GMS, stated, “We are pleased to welcome CMH’s GSD employees and customers to the GMS family. Together, our team can offer professional, high-quality service that meets the needs of contractors and builders throughout Nebraska.”