Joel Becker: “I don’t see that this is a major event in our
industry. The Home Depot acquisition of Apex, Hughes and others really
was, from what I understand, transparent to their customers and I suspect that
the new buyers will try to do everything they can to make the move transparent
to their customers again. I imagine there might be some changes in vendor
relationships with the sale, but I suspect that will be low-keyed
also.”
Chris
Perry: “From the news articles as of June 20, 2007,
three private equity firms have joined together to purchase HD Supply. Two of
those firms have seasoned, successful leaders from PHCP distribution active on
their board of directors. Their guidance will give a focused direction to HD
Supply, whatever their future plans are, vs. the “on-hold” status waiting for
the sale to take place.”