MONTREAL - Deschenes Group Inc. (DGI) has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire the Mueller Flow Control (MFC) division of Mueller Canada Ltd. from Anvil International L.P. Anvil International is a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products Inc.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in early January 2010.

MFC is a leading wholesale distributor of pipe, valves and fittings, as well as waterworks, HVAC, fire protection, and piping component products in Canada with 17 locations and 216 employees.

Martin Deschenes, president of DGI, stated, “This transaction is the key to our expansion throughout Canada. We are confident that the synergies developed by the acquisition will provide a great opportunity for growth to both MFC and DGI. It is our philosophy that the success of a distribution business is built on the quality of its people and the quality of its service. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our valued personnel and are privileged to welcome the addition of MFC’s strong and well reputed team.”

Tom Fish, president of Anvil International, added that the transaction allows both companies to focus on their strengths while maintaining a strong working relationship.

“Anvil’s strength as a manufacturer and Deschenes’ strength as a leading distributor complement one another,” said Fish. “This transaction allows us to focus on our manufacturing and sourcing operations while leveraging our relationship with Deschenes.”

Deschenes Group is one of the largest plumbing, HVACR, and waterworks distributors in Canada. For more information, visit www.groupedeschenes.com.

Publication date: 12/14/2009