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Westlake Ace Hardware announced today it has entered into an agreement to acquire Buikema’s Ace Hardware, an independently owned business that operates seven stores in the Chicago area. The acquisition will be finalized on Jan. 2, 2018.
According to Westlake, Buikema’s Ace name, management, store personnel and the current product mix will remain. The business was founded in 1948 by the Jessie and Clarence Buikema, and it is still run by family members today. The operation employs nearly 200 people.
“Through three generations, my family has built Buikema’s Ace Hardware into what it is today—a vital business partner in the communities we serve,” says Kyle Buikema, president of Buikema’s Ace Hardware. “Handing over the reins to Westlake Ace Hardware at this point in our history makes a lot of sense, as their excellent reputation, shared values and focus on continuity will help Buikema’s Ace continue to prosper well into the future.”
“We are excited to expand in the Chicago area and look forward to continuing Buikema’s Ace Hardware’s outstanding tradition of customer service,” says Tom Knox, CEO of Westlake. “As Westlake expands, our goal will never change—always help our customers keep their households running smoothly by providing the highest level of service, know-how and products. Above all else, we always strive to be the best, most helpful hardware stores on the planet.”
Westlake Ace Hardware has been in operation for more than 100 years and has grown significantly in a short time through several acquisitions. With the Buikema acquisition, the company will operate 115 retail hardware locations in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. It has been part of the Ace Hardware Cooperative since 1959 and is its largest member. It became a wholly owned Ace subsidiary in 2012.
