Sonepar USA, Philadelphia, has for years had an eye on the West Coast. With its recent acquisition of ESSCO Wholesale Electric, Chandler, Ariz., the company now has a platform for expansion in Arizona and Southern California. The acquisition marks the first time Sonepar has had a presence in these states.
ESSCO is a full-line commercial and residential contractor supply house with locations in the metropolitan Phoenix and Tuscon markets, as well as throughout Arizona; Orange County, and Riverside counties in California; and San Diego.
Founded in 1973 by Pasqua Dellisanti, the original name was Electric Surplus Sales Co. In October 1976, Don R. Tapia purchased the company and changed the name to ESSCO. Tapia will remain in his current role of CEO at ESSCO, a company spokesperson said.
“Being an established, healthy and growing business, Sonepar USA’s model fits well with our culture,” said Tapia. “Sonepar USA offers the same dynamism and expanded opportunities our employees have come to expect.”
Tony Burr, president of Sonepar USA, said, “We are delighted to welcome ESSCO to our family of businesses. ESSCO not only has a great reputation for service, but the company provides an entry point for Sonepar USA to expand into Arizona and California.”
Besides its headquarters in Chandler, ESSCO has locations in Arizona in Avondale, Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu, Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. The company’s California locations are in Anaheim, Grand Terrace, Lake Elsinore, San Diego and Thousand Palms.
Sonepar USA will now operate 253 branches in 35 states. Sonepar USA had 2007 revenue of $2.9 billion.