B&F Fastener Supply is a wholesale fastener and industrial supply distributor serving the Upper Midwest since 1986.
B&F Fastener Supply, a privately owned wholesale and industrial supply distributor serving the Upper Midwest, sought to grow its business through the acquisition of Northern States Supply, a long-time competitor and independent industrial supplies company with an employee-owned (ESOP) model. The acquisition aimed to expand market reach and enhance customer offerings, further solidifying B&F’s leadership in the industrial supplies sector.
Recognizing the importance of clear and effective communication during this pivotal transition, B&F engaged Reputation Partners to manage all communication efforts surrounding the announcement, ensuring alignment among employees and other key stakeholder groups. Critical considerations for the employee-focused communications plan included addressing Northern States Supply employees’ reactions to the ESOP termination, navigating overlapping distribution sites and sales territories, equipping leadership and key managers with cohesive messaging about the transition, and preserving company culture, employee retention, and trust throughout the merger process.
Our communications efforts for B&F Fastener Supply focused on clearly outlining the strategic rationale behind the acquisition of Northern States Supply, highlighting the benefits it would bring to employees and internal stakeholders. We emphasized opportunities for expanded market reach, enhanced customer offerings, and the shared values between the two companies, while addressing Northern States Supply employees’ concerns about the transition, particularly the termination of the ESOP.
To support these efforts, we developed a comprehensive suite of communication materials, including detailed key messages, employee emails, town hall presentations, informational leadership videos, FAQs, minute-by-minute announcement timelines, and more. We also conducted message delivery training sessions with leaders from both companies, equipping them with tools to confidently and cohesively share the news with all internal stakeholder groups.
Additionally, we provided training to help leaders guide managers through the day-to-day aspects of the transition process. This approach ensured transparency, fostered trust, and maintained alignment across all audiences throughout the transition.
Acquisition information was consistently communicated to all internal audiences, ensuring that employees’ questions and concerns were appropriately addressed. As a result of the team’s collective efforts, the merger news was well-received by employees and internal stakeholders from both organizations, with minimal negative feedback from employees.