[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ewport News, Va.-based Ferguson Enterprises – the largest U.S. distributor of plumbing supplies, PVF, waterworks, fire and fabrication product, which also offers lighting – has acquired McDonough, Ga.-based Millennium Lighting™, which manufactures decorative residential and commercial lighting as well as a popular RLM line.
According to Jake Schlicher, Ferguson’s Senior VP/Strategic Brand Development, the acquisition is a win-win. “Our ownership will provide even more investment into the business and will allow Millennium to expand its product offering, capabilities, and marketing to strengthen its brand. All of this will drive higher visibility and growth for Millennium Lighting and help their customers grow their lighting business.”
Schlicher says Ferguson will maintain separation between its own brand lighting and the Millennium Lighting business, adding, “Ferguson owns many diverse businesses and promotes that strategic acquisitions like Millennium Lighting operate independently.” When asked if the alliance would give Ferguson certain exclusivity, Schlicher states, “Millennium’s distribution practices will remain the same, and Ferguson will be treated as any of Millennium’s customers.”
When asked how the acquisition would impact the lighting showroom channel, including those distributors who are already Millennium customers, Schlicher affirms, “Ferguson’s wholesale business has absolutely no bearing on products available to other lighting showrooms.”
“This will drive higher visibility and growth for Millennium Lighting and help their customers grow their lighting business.”
— Jake Schlicher, Senior VP/Strategic Brand Development at Ferguson
