Billows Electric Supply to be Acquired by Sonepar’s Cooper Electric

New Jersey-based Billows Electric Supply, a renowned family-owned supplier of electrical products and services to electrical contractors within the Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Wilmington metropolitan market, has entered into an agreement to become a part of Cooper Electric, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA. Billows will continue to operate under the Billows name.

Billows was founded in 1950 by Simon and Lillian Billow, who set out to help support their extended family during challenging times. After several years working for other hardware and electrical products companies around Philadelphia, Simon borrowed $2,300 from a family member and opened Billows Electric Supply. Over the ensuing 73 years, the company grew to 19 branch locations and 285 employees and became one of the most highly recognized electrical products distributors in the area.

A consistently family-operated business, Jeff Billow, owner and CEO said, “We have been humbled over the past 73 years by our staff, many of which have made a lifetime commitment to the success of this company. We are indebted to their contribution and commitment over the years as well as our customers and vendors. Our family is extremely proud of what we have accomplished together. We had several choices of partners to consider, but felt that Sonepar was unequivocally the best fit. They will bring best-in-class technology and distribution expertise to our business.”

Rob Taylor, President of Sonepar USA, commented, “Billows Electric Supply is a fantastic addition to the Sonepar family. The Billows team is recognized for their deep expertise in the industry and our cultures are very aligned. This acquisition offers us the opportunity to increase our coverage and density within the important markets in which Billows operates and help take their great customer service to the next level.”