Blackstone, a global investment firm, has acquired ARLINGTON, a national wholesale distributor of imaging supplies, for an undisclosed amount. This transaction marks a significant corporate acquisition, integrating ARLINGTON's established distribution network and product expertise into Blackstone's portfolio. ARLINGTON has been a key player in the imaging supplies market for over 50 years, specializing in the wholesale distribution of toner and inkjet cartridges, as well as other supplies for printers, photocopiers, and fax machines.
ARLINGTON's operations are built on a robust infrastructure, featuring five distribution centers strategically located coast-to-coast, enabling quick 1-2 day delivery to 99% of the U.S. population. The company offers a broad line of OEM and compatible supplies from major brands such as Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Xerox, Canon, Brother, and Epson. Renowned for its extensive product mix and one of the industry's largest inventories of compatible products, ARLINGTON also specializes in hard-to-find items, all backed by a 100% guarantee. ARLINGTON exclusively serves resellers, including computer supply specialists, retailers, contract stationers, office product dealers, and value-added remanufacturers/resellers, maintaining a strict wholesale-only model.
The acquisition is strategically driven by Blackstone's interest in leveraging ARLINGTON's deep market penetration, operational efficiency, and strong relationships within the reseller community. For Blackstone, this move represents an opportunity to invest in a resilient distribution business with a proven track record and significant growth potential. The integration is expected to enhance ARLINGTON's capabilities through access to Blackstone's resources and strategic insights, further solidifying its position in the competitive imaging supplies market.
Looking ahead, the combined entity is poised to capitalize on ARLINGTON's established brand and distribution prowess, supported by Blackstone's investment acumen. This partnership aims to drive continued innovation in product offerings and expand market reach, ensuring ARLINGTON remains a leading provider of imaging supplies to its extensive network of resellers across the nation.