Westlake Ace Hardware Parent Expands Illinois Footprint, Acquires 13-Store Chain

Posted May 13, 2024

Westlake Ace Hardware’s parent company announced it has agreed to acquire Bishop Ace Hardware, a 13-store chain in central Illinois.

The acquisition is expected to be completed on July 28, 2024, according to the company.

Ace Hardware Corp., ensured a seamless transition of ownership. The 13-store chain will also retain its branding, management, employees and current product mix.

Bishop Ace Hardware was founded in 1960 in Springfield, Ill., with just one hardware store by the parents of owners Lucy Stafford and George Preckwinkle, according to a release.

“Our partnership with the Ace brand goes back to 1960. While carrying the Ace brand, the family grew Bishop Hardware from one to 13 stores. We’ve always been eager to adopt new Ace programs, product lines, and technologies to help our store teammates provide the best level of service to our customers and communities,” Preckwinkle said in the release.

“As we hand over the reins, we are confident that our shared values will help ensure the continuation of the high level of customer service and community involvement we have always strived for as a family business,” Stafford said in the release.

Westlake Ace Hardware now operates over 160 hardware stores nationwide.

Westlake Ace Hardware opened its third location in Lee’s Summit, a 15,000-square-foot store, in February and a 12,000-square-foot store in Overland Park, in December. A new Ace Hardware distribution center was announced to be constructed at the KCI 29 Logistics Park, adding 350 jobs to the area, in June 2023. The 1.5 million-square-foot facility is expedited to become fully operational by 2025.

Westlake Ace Hardware reported generated revenue of over $613 million in 2023.