Greensboro, NC – Vertical Supply Group (“VSG”) is pleased to announce it has acquired specialty e-commerce retailer and rescue equipment supplier, Rescue Direct. Rescue Direct will be fully integrated into VSG's distribution operations, which will provide customers with fast access to the industry's premier selection of innovative rescue and safety products.
"Rescue Direct is a perfect addition to VSG because it allows us to deliver the broader range of rescue-specific products that our customers have been requesting for years," stated Tripp Wyckoff, CEO and President of VSG. "We believe that our commitment to stocking inventory, fast turnaround and outstanding technical service will help us grow Rescue Direct beyond where it's gone so far."
Mark Connell, who founded Rescue Direct in 1998, said, "Rescue Direct has succeeded through the years by offering excellent service to our customers and partnering with the best brands in the industry. From working with VSG over the past several months, I look forward to watching the VSG team carry on that tradition and continue working to exceed customer expectations from afar."
“Rescue Direct is an ideal fit with VSG and will allow it to become an even stronger partner to our rescue customers,” said Greg Ogard of Platte River Equity. “Mark Connell has built a special company with an exceptional reputation as a supplier to the rescue industry. We are grateful to have earned Mark’s trust to allow VSG to drive continued success at Rescue Direct.”
VSG continues to evaluate acquisition opportunities in the industrial distribution sector to build on its strong record of introducing innovative products and expanding its distribution and digital marketing capabilities to better serve both its trade partners and its diverse customer base.
About Rescue Direct
Founded in 1988 and based in Utica, IL, Rescue Direct is a leading specialty e-commerce retailer and supplier of technical rescue gear and equipment. For more information, please visit www.rescuedirect.com.
