Mobile, AL-based Threaded Fasteners, Inc. (TFI) acquired fellow distributor Ricco Fasteners, announced in a June 24 news release.

Thomasville, GA-based Ricco brands itself as a one-stop-shop for industrial fasteners. The single-location company was founded in 1998 and was led for most of its history by Richard Guldin, who passed away in in 2022. Ricco has since been led by Owner Elaine Guldin.

TFI noted that the acquisition will mark Ricco’s transition into a a threaded fasteners branch and manufacturing location. It is now the 17th branch location for TFI.

“We are thrilled that Elaine would entrust us with the legacy of Ricco Fasteners. I am humbled by her confidence in us to carry on their mission and bring the Ricco team into Threaded Fasteners Family of Companies,” TFI Chief Executive and President Billy Duren said. This acquisition may represent a significant step in our team as we continue to expand and invest in additional communities, but above all it is an opportunity for us to serve a member of our fastener community through carrying on the legacy that Elaine and Richard built.”

Guldin shared her thoughts behind the sale:

“When Richard passed away in August of 2022, I felt that outpouring of love from them all. As devastated as I was by his loss, my focus moving forward was to make sure our customers would continue to receive the level of service that they deserved. Now it is time for a new chapter. I have entrusted Threaded Fasteners to continue the legacy of Ricco Fasteners and I have no doubt they will continue to build on this legacy.”

TFI said the integration of Ricco’s expertise and resources will enable the expansion of TFI’s current product offerings in Georgia as it continues to invest in additional locations across the U.S.

TFI is a manufacturer, custom packager and distributor of steel fasteners. It maintains over $16 million worth of inventory across its 17 locations, serving customers from markets in electrical utilities, chemical and electrical, commercial marine construction, steel fabricators, metal building manufacturers and Department of Transportation fabricators. The employee-owned company has over 350 employee-owners.