BDI Announces Investment by Private Equity Firm Kelso

Private equity firm Kelso & Company has made a “strategic" investment in BDI as the bearings and power transmission distributor plans an "ambitious growth strategy," company officials announced Tuesday.

BDIThe New York investment firm and Cleveland-based distributor said that their partnership would accelerate both organic and inorganic growth at BDI across its product categories, end markets and service capabilities. BDI also noted that Kelso has “a strong track record of partnering with distribution businesses to help them scale.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but BDI said in the announcement that its existing leadership staff “will retain meaningful ownership in the company going forward.”

“Partnering with Kelso provides the capital, strategic support and shared vision to take BDI to the next level,” BDI CEO Carl James said in a statement. “This investment positions us to deliver even greater value to our customers and partners across every market we serve.”

“BDI has built a differentiated platform underpinned by deep technical expertise and longstanding customer and supplier relationships,” said Kelso Investment Partner Alec Hufnagel. “We are excited to support the BDI leadership team as they build on the company’s strong momentum and pursue an ambitious growth strategy.”

BDI says it operates more than 200 locations across 11 countries. The company ranked at no. 19 on ID's latest Big 50 list.