Distributor E.J. Welch Acquires Smith Company

St. Louis, MO, May 27, 2014 -- Distributor E.J. Welch said it has acquired the Merle B. Smith Company of Burr Ridge, Illinois.

Incorporated in 1971, MBS Co. grew rapidly to become one of the Chicago area’s largest hardwood flooring distributors. 

Owners Merle B. Smith, age 84, and Dominic J. Reda, age 69, decided to retire.

Michael Welch said his firm is keeping the Merle B. Smith Co. name indefinitely and retaining all its employees.

Welch is a wholesale distributor serving the flooring trade since 1962.  It has a product portfolio of flooring brands, installation products and tools and accessories.