Steel Mills

Reliance Completes Merfish United Acquisition

October 5, 2021

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. completed the acquisition of Merfish United, a master distributor of tubular building products, from One Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm, effective Oct. 1.

“We are excited to welcome Merfish United to the Reliance Family of Companies and to broaden our focus on adjacent business opportunities beyond traditional metals service centers,” Reliance CEO Jim Hoffman said. “This transaction aligns with our acquisition strategy of expanding our product, end market and geographical diversification and acquiring companies with strong management teams. Further, Merfish United increases our exposure to copper and plastic products and positions Reliance in the adjacent industrial distribution space with a platform for further growth.”

Headquartered in Ipswich, Mass., Merfish United serves 47 U.S. states through its 12 strategically located distribution centers. Merfish United’s broad product offering includes full lines of steel pipe, copper tubing, plastic pipe, electrical conduit and related products for the commercial, residential, municipal and industrial building markets.

For the 12 months ended June 30, 2021, Merfish United’s net sales totaled $500 million. The current Merfish United team, including management, will remain in place. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Reliance, based in Los Angeles, is the largest metals service center company in North America with a network of 300 locations in 40 states and 13 other countries.