(Reuters) – Traditionally recession-proof, U.S. industrial distributors such as WW Grainger Inc and Fastenal Co are looking to make deals and expand their product range to take advantage of the market slowdown.
These firms use sales representatives, marketing materials and catalogs to help customers source and purchase maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies and other products and services.
Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s has highlighted Grainger as one of the top six non-financial businesses maintaining strong AA+ credit ratings.[…]
via Analysis: Industrial distributors: smiling in a downturn? – chicagotribune.com.