About the Transaction
Nichols Paper & Supply Co. (“Nichols”) (enichols.com) is one of the premier paper, packaging, and sanitary supply distributors in the Great Lakes region and a member of Network – a multi-billion distribution and buying group partnership. Since their founding in 1936, Nichols has grown to exceed $150M in annual sales, along with acquiring multiple sanitary supply and chemical companies. Headquartered in Norton Shores, Michigan, the Company has branches throughout Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, where they have become a regional leader serving a broad customer base spanning numerous end markets.
The buyer, Imperial Dade (imperialdade.com) is an industry leader in foodservice disposables and janitorial supplies distribution nationwide. A portfolio company of Bain Capital, the Nichols acquisition was Imperial Dade’s 43rd since 2007. Imperial Dade is a leading supplier to food service companies, restaurants, supermarkets, educational organizations, healthcare, hospitality, and building property management. The acquisition of Nichols will bolster Imperial Dade’s marketshare in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions and allow for further geographic expansion and future acquisitions in these markets.
The Nichols transaction represents Paramax’ 14th sale of a specialty distributor and Paramax’ 6th sale of a distributor in the Jan-San distribution space in the past 3 years. Paramax has extensive experience advising Distribution Companies in a variety of end markets for premium valuations. Paramax Corporation is a FINRA-registered investment banking firm focused on sell-side M&A transactions at after-tax optimized prices. Paramax is headquartered in Williamsville, NY with an International reach through its partnership in Globalscope Partners Ltd., a group of international corporate finance and business advisors operating globally to support M&A transactions.
