Grainger, Lake Forest, IL, distributor of broad line facilities maintenance products, has bought a 49.9% stake in Asia Pacific Brands India Ltd., based in India.
 
Grainger paid $5.4 million; at the same time, the company matched a $1.1 million capital infusion with its joint venture partner intended to help grow the business.
 

India was chosen for expansion because it is large, fragmented and growing rapidly, Bonnie McIntyre, Grainger’s vice president for International Market Development, told MDM. Asia Pacific Brands has a well established infrastructure in the market, making it an ideal candidate for Grainger’s entrance.
 
We’re leveraging Grainger’s strengths in supply chain management, product breadth, and superior customer service in emerging …