Grainger (NYSE: GWW), Chicago, IL, has agreed to sell all of the assets associated with Gempler's, Ben Meadows and AW Direct, previously maintained under Grainger's specialty brands portfolio. The buyer, Ariens Co. in Brillion, WI, is a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment. Terms were not disclosed.
In aggregate, the three brands represent an estimated $90 million in revenue in 2013; Grainger does not expect the divestiture to have a material effect on earnings.
Grainger previously announced that direct marketing brands within the specialty brands portfolio now fall outside the company's long-term focus. This transaction completes the realignment of that portfolio.
The transaction is expected to close by year end.