PoolCorp is expanding its presence in California.
The Covington, La.-based wholesaler has acquired the assets of Chem Quip, which operates five sales and distribution centers throughout Northern and Central California.
In a statement, PoolCorp says the maneuver will enhance its position in the Golden State, the largest swimming pool market in the U.S.
“Chem Quip has been a strong presence in the Northern California swimming pool industry for over 55 years,” said President and CEO Manny Perez de la Mesa in a press release. “Adding the Chem Quip team and sales locations to the PoolCorp network strengthens our ability to serve customers in the important East San Francisco Bay and Northern California markets. …”
Chem Quip began in 1961 as White House Sales — so called because Jack and Armeda Gager operated the pool supply company out of their big white house in Anderson, Calif.
The Gagers had a trusting relationship with customers. According to Chem Quip’s website, they often left their home unlocked while they were away on vacation so pool professionals could get the equipment and supplies they needed. As part of an honor system, customers would leave money in a box along with a note itemizing the products they bought.
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With the move, the distributor delves deeper into the commercial sector.
In 1980, the Gagers sold the company to Don Aston, a pool chemical salesman. From 1980 to 2003, White House Sales operated as a separate entity from Aston’s other pool-related business — Chem Quip.
In 2004, White House Sales purchased Chem Quip’s Sacramento, Hayward and Fresno locations and consolidated operations under the Chem Quip umbrella.
In 2005, Chem Quip earned the distinction of becoming one of the industry’s very few employee-owned distributors. Chem Quip declined to comment on how PoolCorp’s acquisition will impact that arrangement.
“The acquisition of Chem Quip by Poolcorp has afforded both Steve Hubbard, our CFO/Co-CEO, and I the ability to exit the business and retire if we choose to do so,” said President and Co-CEO Greg Durkee in a statement. “PoolCorp is also providing a good home to our employees, which was a critical component to the transaction.”
PoolCorp did not respond to requests for comment.
PoolCorp has 346 sales centers throughout North America, Europe, South America and Australia.
