Grainger – Grainger announced agreement to divest Cromwell
Company plans to focus its portfolio on North America and Japan
CHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Grainger (NYSE: GWW), a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its U.K.-based Cromwell business to AURELIUS, a global private equity investor, distinguished and widely recognized for its operational approach. In September, Grainger also announced the proposed closure of its Zoro U.K. business, subject to the outcome of required legal, regulatory and employment consultation processes in the United Kingdom.
“Over the past decade we’ve made a concerted effort to focus our portfolio on the geographies where we can deliver the greatest long-term impact. With this, we’ve altered our assumptions about our future potential in this region,” said D.G. Macpherson, Chairman and CEO, Grainger. “We remain committed to creating value for our customers and driving profitable growth through our High-Touch Solutions model in North America and our Endless Assortment businesses in the United States and Japan.”
To account for this event, Grainger will record a one-time, non-cash after-tax loss related to the planned exit of the U.K. market in the range of $190 million to $205 million, the vast majority of which will be recorded in the third quarter of 2025. The transaction is subject to the standard regulatory approvals. This deal is expected to close in the coming months.
SourceGrainger
EMR Analysis
More information on Grainger: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on D.G. Macpherson (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Grainger): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on Deidra C. Merriwether (Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Grainger): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on Cromwell by Grainger: https://www.cromwell.co.uk/+ It started with one man’s ambition to be the most reliable, local tool supplier. More than 50 years later, we’re still looking after our customers, supplying the essential components that keep their operations running and their people safe.
Every year we deliver over half a million products to thousands of businesses throughout the UK, using our own fleet of drivers.
We supply all the trusted brands our customers love, as well as our own exclusive products that are quality tested to meet the demands of industry.
When customers have questions, they can speak to a real person based in the UK. For support with operations, our team of time-served engineers are ready to step in with technical advice that saves our customers money.
It all adds up to excellent customer care.
Cromwell has been acquired by Grainger in 2015.
More information on Neil Jowsey (Managing Director, Cromwell, Grainger): https://www.cromwell.co.uk/info/leadership + https://www.linkedin.com/in/neiljowsey/
More information on Zoro.com: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on Sandy Mattinson (President, Zoro, Grainger): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on High-Touch Solutions by Grainger: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on AURELIUS: https://www.aurelius-group.com/ + AURELIUS is a globally active alternative investor focused on Private Equity, Private Debt and Real Estate.
AURELIUS has continually added to its investment segments and expanded into new geographical markets since the first AURELIUS entity was founded in 2005. Today, AURELIUS employs more than 400 professionals working out of 9 offices in Europe and North America.
AURELIUS is focused on Private Equity, Private Debt and Real Estate. Its key investment platforms include AURELIUS Opportunities V, AURELIUS European Opportunities IV, AUR Portfolio III and AURELIUS Growth Investments (Wachstumskapital). To date, AURELIUS has completed more than 300 transactions, delivering attractive returns to investors. AURELIUS’ approach is differentiated by its uncompromising focus on operational excellence and unrivalled ability to efficiently execute highly complex transactions.
AURELIUS specialises in corporate carve-outs, platform build-ups and succession solutions as well as bespoke financing solutions.
More information on Dirk Markus (Founding Partner, AURELIUS): https://www.aurelius-group.com/team-member/dr-dirk-markus + https://www.linkedin.com/in/dirkmarkus/
More information on Gert Purkert (Founding Partner, AURELIUS): https://www.aurelius-group.com/team-member/gert-purkert + https://www.linkedin.com/in/gert-purkert-1b92b2/