DURAY BUYS BARING

In a deal that combines two powerhouse dealer bid houses, Duray/J.F. Duncan Industries has purchased Baring Industries, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., subsidiary of Electrolux Professional. Duray is headquartered in Downey, Calif. Duray Pres. Johnny Wong told FER Fortnightly that the two contract E&S dealers will operate as separate brands.

Key management at Baring, including company Pres. Chuck Sperry and Executive V.P. Mike Fitzgibbon, will remain intact, and the dealer will continue to operate from its Southeast base.

Electrolux had owned Baring since the late 1980s, capitalizing on its strong expertise in commercial laundries as well as foodservice. But owning the dealer became problematic when Electrolux Professional set up shop in the U.S. in six years ago, as some dealers saw owning Baring as a conflict of interest.