Spa Parts Plus commemorated its silver anniversary with a new addition from the Golden State.
In early April, the distribution firm acquired California Specialty Distributors, a spa-accessories company based in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
CSD will now operate as a division of Spa Parts Plus, which is based in Prescott Valley, Ariz.
“This is a natural fit,” said Barry Knickerbocker (shown), owner of Spa Parts Plus. “It gives us a lot of opportunity for growth and allows us to increase our efficiencies of scale while enabling us to add more products for our existing customer base. And CSD customers will see greater variety, as well as more inventory and enhanced service levels.”
The purchase means Spa Parts Plus now offers a robust accessories portfolio that includes chemicals, cover lifts, filters, steps and more.
Following the acquisition, Knickerbocker said he plans to consolidate all distribution operations into Spa Parts Plus’ Memphis facility, though some employees will continue to work remotely from across the country.
The purchase also adds international business — CSD for years has exhibited at trade shows overseas and has clients throughout Europe and Israel.
CSD was established in 1974 by David and Susan Stern. After David passed away unexpectedly four years ago, Susan remained at the company’s helm, guiding it through the end of the building boom as well as the current recession.
The acquisition of CSD is the second such deal involving a West Coast distribution company in as many years. Industry giant PoolCorp bought Rancho Cordova, Calif.-based General Pool & Spa Supply in October 2009.
