Acquisition strengthens both companies’ service to the Western United States
MEMPHIS, Tenn. and SEATTLE – Kele, Inc. today announced the acquisition of MIContols, Inc. The acquisition expands Kele’s footprint and enhances its ability to serve customers in the Western United States. MIControls, which is co-located in Seattle and Portland, Ore., will increase its service offering through new products, customer programs, and technology capabilities.
Kele President and CEO Richard Campbell says the move benefits both Kele and MIControls customers, and accomplishes another goal within Kele’s strategic growth plan.
“This strategic combination brings together two value-added distributors,” says Campbell. “It highlights both Kele’s and MIControls’ commitments to providing industry leading products and solutions to our customers.”
MIControls distributes building automation controls, industrial process controls, and instrumentation. The company is Kele’s second acquisition in the past nine months. Last October, Kele acquired Boston-based Control Cosultants, Inc. (CCI).
“With the CCI acquisition, Kele has seen success getting products closer to our customers in the Northeast from our Boston location,” says Campbell. “We look forward to accelerating our delivery and strengthening our ability to serve customers in the Western United States.”
The new entity will operate as separate brands. Campbell will serve as president and CEO of the combined company. Steve Roe will remain as president of MIControls and lead the Seattle location. Dave Innocenti will continue as vice president and lead the Portland office.
“MIControls is excited to join Kele,” says Roe. “Our customers will enjoy the same quality service they’ve experienced for nearly 100 years in this region. Aligning with Kele will provide them access to thousands more products, along with enhanced tools to help them win jobs. This enables us to continue delivering on our mantra, ‘We Sell Confidence.’”
Kele’s acquisition of MIControls was effective June 29, 2018. Blank Rome, LLP acted as legal counsel to Kele. Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. acted as legal counsel to MIControls, and Bernston Porter & Company, PLLC served as its financial advisor.
About Kele, Inc.
Kele, Inc. is a leading distributor of building automation products and controls solutions globally. Kele serves the $50+ billion building automation systems (BAS) market with more than 400 brands and 1.8 million parts in stock, including sensors, transmitters, switches, gauges, valves, actuators, relays, and more. Kele’s products can be integrated into existing buildings or new construction. Value-added services include custom panel assembly, specialized sourcing, and technical support. Strategically headquartered in America’s logistics hub, Memphis, Tenn., and with a regional location in Boston, Kele provides building automation and industrial customers with fast and reliable services. Kele is owned by private equity firm Snow Phipps, LLC. To learn more about Kele, visit kele.com.
About MIControls, Inc.
MIControls, Inc. is the premier wholesale distributor serving the Pacific Northwest for building automation controls, industrial process controls, and instrumentation. MIControls traces its roots back to 1920 as the Therm Gas Generator Company of Seattle, which served the Washington State oil heat and the Alaska fishing fleet industries. A series of mergers and acquisitions between Therm Gas, Mortemp Company, and Portland-based Industrial Controls Company, led to the creation of MIControls, Inc. in 2001. For more information, visit micontrols.com
Great move Kele and congrats MI!