World Electric Supply/Sonepar Acquires Electric Supply of Tampa

Sonepar, Charleston, SC, announced that its U.S. subsidiary, World Electric, acquired Electric Supply of Tampa (ESI) from Supply Chain Equity Partners on Sept. 30. Electric Supply of Tampa was ranked #70 on Electrical Wholesaling’s most recent Top 150 ranking.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, ESI serves contractor and utility customers throughout Florida, the Caribbean and Latin America. ESI brings nine additional locations and over 220 associates to the Sonepar network. Sonepar plans to align the electrical contractor business of ESI with World Electric, while ESI’s utility segment will align with Irby Utilities, Sonepar’s national utility platform.

“With the acquisition of ESI, World Electric and Irby Utilities will significantly increase their operations within the Florida market making Sonepar the most impactful electrical and utility distributor in Florida,” said Rob Taylor, President of Sonepar North America in the press release. “This acquisition offers a great opportunity to connect geographies and expertise to enhance services and capabilities for customers. ESI is a leading regional independent distributor, with the unique advantage of running a diverse business across both the electrical contractor and utility markets.”

Harry Irwin, president, and CEO of ESI, said in the press release, “The dramatic growth that ESI has experienced with Supply Chain Equity Partners has led us to this exciting opportunity. We are thankful for their help and guidance which has enabled our success. What Sonepar will offer our ESI associates in capabilities, resources and professional growth was a key factor in our decision to choose them as our partner. I am very thankful to all our team members, customers, and vendor partners for supporting ESI over the last 53 years and look forward to watching ESI’s continued success as part of the Sonepar family.”

World Electric operates 18 branch locations throughout Florida and Georgia. Irby Utilities operates 46 branch locations across the US with a strong presence in Florida.