Blue River Advises Lawson Products on Acquisition of American Fasteners Corp

September 29, 2026 – Blue River Financial Group has advised Lawson Products, a leader in MRO distribution of C-parts and operating company of Distribution Solutions Group (DSG), on the recent acquisition of American Fasteners Corp. The acquisition strengthens DSG’s MRO business by expanding its customer base and presence in the South Florida market while providing additional reach into export markets throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Lawson Products is a leading North American distributor of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies, serving industrial, fleet, and automotive customers with an extensive portfolio spanning fasteners, chemicals, electrical components, safety equipment, tools, and material handling products. Through its vendor-managed inventory programs and e-commerce platform, Lawson Products partners with businesses to keep critical operations running, combining broad product breadth with reliable, account-based service and distribution.

DSG is a premier multi-platform specialty distribution company providing high-touch, value-added distribution solutions to the maintenance, repair & operations (MRO), original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and industrial technologies markets. DSG serves over 200,000 customers in several diverse end markets supported by approximately 4,300 dedicated employees and strong vendor partnerships. DSG ships from strategically located distribution and service centers to customers in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East.

“American Fasteners is a highly respected business with strong customer relationships and an excellent position in the South Florida market,” said J. Bryan King, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Distribution Solutions Group. “This acquisition is a natural extension of our strategy to build scale in MRO through high-quality businesses that expand our capabilities, customer relationships and geographic reach.”

Founded in 1981 and based in Miami, Florida, American Fasteners Corp. (AFC) is a leading specialty distributor of fasteners, tools, construction supplies, and other industrial and MRO products across South Florida. Operating from three locations and serving more than 11,000 customers, AFC has built a strong reputation for exceptional customer service and deep product expertise, offering a broad portfolio that includes screws, bolts, nuts, threaded rods, anchors, power tools, cutting tools, adhesives, abrasives, sealants, safety products, and fall-protection equipment.

Niall Garrahan, Director at Blue River, said “Congratulations to Manny Benitez and his team on this outcome. This acquisition reflects DSG’s continued discipline in identifying well-positioned, well-run businesses that extend its reach in core markets, and we were pleased to support Lawson Products through the process.”

About Blue River

Blue River Financial Group is a middle market merger and acquisition advisory firm. We assist corporations, private equity groups and individuals in the sale and acquisition of businesses and have completed assignments in multiple business segments. With over 20 years of experience spanning across 50 global industries, Blue River provides a suite of services to middle market clients including corporate development, private equity support, valuations, and transaction consulting, placing a premium on relationship-centered transaction counsel and client focus.

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