Business deal or financial agreement concept. Business negotiation, deal making or acquisition, merger


Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS announced the successful close of their previously announced merger. The transaction forms a strategic North American distribution platform offering jan/san, foodservice, and industrial packaging products in the United States and Canada with expanded scale, product offerings, geographic reach, and enhanced customer solutions.

With the close of the transaction, Jason Tillis, CEO of Imperial Dade, has been appointed CEO of the combined company. Ken Sweder, Chairman and CEO of BradyPLUS, will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, working closely with Tillis to support a smooth leadership transition.

"This is a transformational milestone for our customers, employees, and partners," says Jason Tillis. "Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS share a strong customer-first culture, deep local relationships, and a long-term view of value creation. The companies also have complementary product and service offerings, and geographic service areas in many parts of North America. I’m honored to lead this organization as we build on our combined strengths to deliver enhanced solutions, broader capabilities, exceptional service, and greater value to customers."

In connection with the merger close, the company also announced that Manny Perez de la Mesa has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors. Perez de la Mesa is a highly accomplished distribution executive with more than four decades of leadership experience across global, publicly traded companies. He previously served as President and CEO of Pool Corporation for nearly two decades and has been a longstanding board member of Imperial Dade.

"The combination of Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS creates a differentiated platform with strong leadership, a clear strategy, and a deep commitment to customers and employees," shares Perez de la Mesa. "Moving forward, we are exceptionally well-positioned for long-term growth."

The combined company will continue to operate with a strong local service model, supported by national scale, expanded product offerings, and enhanced digital and operational capabilities.

"I’m incredibly proud of what the BradyPLUS team has accomplished and excited about what lies ahead," adds Sweder. "This combination brings together two like-minded organizations with shared values and complementary strengths. I’m confident in the company’s continued momentum and growth, and I look forward to supporting the team and helping drive our strategic priorities."

Bain Capital Private Equity, LP, Kelso & Company, LP, Advent International, LP, Warburg Pincus LLC, Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA), the Tillis Family, and management are among the shareholders that will have representation on the Board of Directors. All existing capital partners will remain invested in the combined company and have representation on the Board of Directors.

Jefferies, Goldman Sachs, and Kirkland & Ellis, LLP served as advisors to Imperial Dade. Harris Williams and Debevoise & Plimpton, LLP served as advisors to BradyPLUS.