Two California-based distributors merge
Cantrell Turf Equipment (CTE), based in Sacramento, Calif., recently announced the merging of its business operations with Billiou’s, Inc. in Porterville, Calif.
The move allows the Billiou family to retire after completing 70 years of continuous operation, and CTE will assume leadership of the company. Under the terms of the merger, CTE will lease Billiou’s warehouse facility, hire its staff, convert its inventory, and assume operations. The new company will be referred to as CTE+.
Founded by Jim Cantrell in 1984, CTE is a distributor of premium outdoor power equipment products, including Walker Mowers, Ego Power Plus, Firman, Encore, YARDMAX, and Ecolawn Applicator. It supplies lawn and garden equipment to OPE dealerships, hardware stores and rental yards in California, Nevada and Utah.
Billiou’s was founded in 1946 by Lawrence and Jean Billiou. The business grew into a respected service parts distributor capable of shipping more than 800 packages per day to dealers in eight western states. Lines represented include Generac, Ardisam, Subaru, Yamaha, Tecumseh Power, LCT, Oregon, Hydro-Gear, Peerless, NGK, Denso, Jacto, Solo, Bahco, Red Rooster, B3C, K100, No-Spill, Tuff Jug, Eagle, Tillotson, Walbro and Zama.
The combined representation of solid product lines with collective warehouse space of 56,000 square feet positions CTE+ as a strong western regional distributor.
“We are very excited about the opportunities this presents because our products really complement each other and our business strategies work well together,” said Bruce Cantrell, owner of CTE.
Strategically, multiple locations will allow CTE+ to more effectively house inventory where it’s needed and provide the ability to create aggressive delivery and freight programs to dealers. The sales team has been increased to nine employees.
Both locations have training facilities and efficient warehouses. Porterville will house and ship all service parts. Accessories, bulk products, and whole goods will be present in both Sacramento and Porterville locations. Additional storage facilities are located in Clearfield, Utah, and Anaheim, Calif.
