Bearing Distributors, Inc.
Overview
| Deal Type |
Mergers & Acquisitions |
|---|---|
| Client & Transactional Partners |
Bearing Distributors, Inc. Kelso & Company |
| Our Role |
Exclusive Financial Advisor |
Summary
On July 31, 2026, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) successfully advised Bearing Distributors, Inc. (BDI or the Company) on a strategic growth investment from Kelso & Company (Kelso). KBCM served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to BDI on the transaction.
KBCM’s advisory relationship with BDI, and its CEO and controlling shareholder, spans over 25 years. Accordingly, KBCM ran a high-touch process to drive a compelling outcome, while allowing the CEO and his team to align with a preferred partner with a shared vision for the Company. This partnership provides BDI with enhanced access to capital and operational resources to accelerate organic and inorganic growth. KBCM was selected based on its decades-long relationship with BDI, commitment to identifying attractive partnerships for founder- and family-owned businesses, industry-leading specialty distribution investment banking practice, access to like-minded potential investors, and proven M&A execution capabilities.
BDI is a leading distributor of bearings, power transmission and fluid power products, and related industrial solutions, serving a broad and diversified customer base across end markets in 11 countries. Led by its CEO, Carl James, BDI is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with over 205 locations globally. The Company has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, deep supplier relationships, and a solutions-and-productivity service model that has made it a trusted partner to its customers.
Kelso is a North American-focused middle-market private equity firm founded on the principles of partnership and alignment of interest championed by Louis Kelso, the inventor of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Kelso’s unique history drives a deep commitment to aligning the interests between the firm’s partners, management teams, strategic partners, and limited partners. Since 1980, Kelso has invested approximately $20 billion of equity capital in over 140 transactions. Kelso benefits from a successful investment track record, deep sector expertise, long-tenured investment team, and reputation as a preferred partner to management teams and corporates.
KeyBanc Capital Markets is a trade name under which the corporate and investment banking products and services of KeyCorp and its subsidiaries, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC (“KBCMI”), and KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank N.A.”), are marketed. Securities products and services are offered by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and its licensed securities representatives. Banking products and services are offered by KeyBank N.A.














































