CLEVELAND, August 25 — Bearing Distributors, Inc. doing business as BDI (“BDI” or “the Company”), a leading global distributor of bearings, power transmission and fluid power products, and related industrial solutions, has received a strategic growth investment from Kelso & Company (“Kelso”), a leading U.S. private equity firm renowned for its commitment to alignment and employee ownership. The investment recognizes BDI’s outstanding track record of value creation and will support BDI’s continued growth across product categories, end markets, and service offerings.
This partnership provides BDI with enhanced access to capital and operational resources to accelerate organic and inorganic growth. Kelso brings deep industry expertise, significant resources to support management, and a strong track record of partnering with distribution businesses to help them scale.
“BDI has always been defined by the strength of our people and the trust of our customers and supplier partners,” said Carl James, CEO of BDI. “Partnering with Kelso provides the capital, strategic support, and shared vision to take BDI to the next level. This investment positions us to deliver even greater value to our customers and partners across every market we serve.”
The transaction will preserve the employee-aligned culture and long-term orientation that have defined BDI since inception, reinforcing continuity as the business enters its next phase of growth. BDI’s existing leadership team will retain meaningful ownership in the Company going forward.
“BDI has built a differentiated platform underpinned by deep technical expertise and longstanding customer and supplier relationships,” said Alec Hufnagel, Investment Partner at Kelso. “We are excited to support the BDI leadership team as they build on the Company’s strong momentum and pursue an ambitious growth strategy, while preserving its unique culture and focus on customer solutions and productivity.”
KeyBanc Capital Markets served as exclusive financial advisor to BDI, and Sidley Austin served as legal counsel in connection with the transaction. Solomon Partners and Lincoln International served as financial advisors to Kelso, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as legal counsel.