November 1, 2023
Bell & McCoy Strikes Two More Deals
A merger and an acquisition: Multi-state agent extends to Florida, Carolinas and Virgina; Bolsters Alabama
HOUSTON, TEXAS -- Bell & McCoy Companies, a Houston-based electrical and lighting agency, is making more headlines with a series of significant moves in the industry. Following their August announcement of a new multi-state partnership with Current HLI, today they unveiled two major developments: a merger with FRM, a multistate electrical agent, and the acquisition of longtime Alabama lighting agency J.S. Cotney, Inc.
As a result of these moves, the Bell & McCoy footprint now extends through 13 Southern states, from New Mexico to Virgina, and all points south of Interstate 40.
Merger with FRM: Expanding Electrical Representation in the Southeast
The merger with FRM, an established agent in the Southeast U.S. electrical industry since 1969, marks a strategic expansion for Bell & McCoy on the electrical side of its business.
FRM, has been an active player in the southeastern U.S. distributor and contractor-focused markets, concentrating on commercial, residential, industrial, and utility markets. The agency covers Viginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee.
Chris Coursey, President of Bell & McCoy Companies, lauded FRM as "a clear leader in the manufacturer’s representative world." He added, "This merger creates a partnership that will truly bring together the strengths of two of the top manufacturer representatives."
This merger includes overlapping territories from both agenices in Alabama and Tennessee. The local markets will continue to interact with the FRM and Bell & McCoy sales teams, in a “business as usual” approach, according to a person close to the matter. In the coming months, more announcements and clarity will be communicated in these local markets. In certain markets, shared manufacturer partners between the two agencies include Cantex, Kingwire, Kaftech, LS Cable, American Conduit, Commodity Cable and Leviton.
FRM does represent some lighting brands in certain parts of its territory including Advance (Signify), Maxlite and Evluma.
Acquisition of J.S. Cotney: Strengthening Alabama Lighting Market Presence
Simultaneously, Bell & McCoy announced the acquisition of J.S. Cotney, Inc., an independent lighting agency in Birmingham, Alabama. "The J.S. Cotney company is an ideal complement to our Alabama Lighting and Control business," stated Rob Duncan, Executive Vice President of Bell & McCoy Companies. The acquisition notably bolsters Bell & McCoy's presence in the Yellowhammer state, particularly in the lighting market.
J.S. Cotney, with a portfolio including Focal Point, Amerlux, GVA Lighting, Beta Calco, Insight Lighting and Lucifer Lighting, adds significant depth to Bell & McCoy's offerings, which just added Current HLI two months ago.
As part of the acquisition, key members from J.S. Cotney, including Steve Cotney, Greg Cotney, Regina Compton, and Wendy Wadley, will join the Bell & McCoy Lighting and Controls team in Alabama.
A Pattern of Strategic Acquisitions
This J.S. Cotney acquisition follows Bell & McCoy's recent moves to strengthen its market position. Only a month ago, Bell & McCoy acquired LDS (Lighting Design & Sales) in Memphis, forming Bell & McCoy Lighting and Controls of Memphis to cover West Tennessee and North Mississippi. In 2022, they acquired Lightspek, a niche, specialty architectural lighting agent in Dallas, Texas.
These significant acquisitions and mergers come on the heels of Bell & McCoy's expanded partnership with Current HLI. This move, effective September 1, 2023, transitioned the representation of brands once known as Hubbell Lighting to Bell & McCoy Lighting and Controls. The partnership solidifies Bell & McCoy's alliance with Current in the South Central region, covering HLI, GLI, Roadway, Luminaires, and Lamps.
Bell & McCoy's recent strategic moves signify their commitment to expanding and consolidating their presence in the lighting and electrical industries throughout the South. With these developments, the company is poised to leverage its strengthened market position and extensive network to provide enhanced services and solutions across an expanded territory.
