Trading Companies & Distributors
Case studies in trading companies & distributors.
EVI Industries: Planning GNA’s Systems Transition
On 6 March 2025, EVI Industries had publicly filed an agreement to acquire Girbau North America, Inc. (“GNA”), a commercial-laundry equipment distributor. The stock purchase agreement had been signed on 28 February, but the transaction had not closed. EVI’s filing said closing was expected within 30 days, subject to conditions. Read case
Fastenal: Where should the next increment of capacity go?
Fastenal began as a fastener distributor and grew into a North American and international industrial-supply network. At year-end 2025, the company reported 1,595 branches in 25 countries, 15 North American distribution centers, additional centers in Asia and Europe, and 24,489 employees. Read case
United Rentals: Where Should the Next Fleet Dollar Go?
United Rentals entered 2024 with a broad rental network: 1,584 locations, about 4,800 equipment classes, and 995,000 equipment units. At year-end 2023, its fleet had $20.66 billion of original equipment cost (OEC). Equipment rentals made up 84% of the company’s $14.332 billion in revenue. Read case
W.W. Grainger: Where Should Digital Self-Service End?
Grainger had built a business in which digital ordering and specialist support were both part of the offer. Its March 2026 investor presentation reported that 75% of High-Touch Solutions U.S. (HTS U.S.) orders flowed through digital channels, while describing a sales team of more than 4,000, technical product support, inventory management and onsite services. Read case