True Value Co., Chicago, Il., is reportedly mulling a sale of the near-4,400-member co-op, according to Bloomberg News.
The 69-year-old firm has hired an investment bank to analyze strategic options, including a straight sale, merger, auction or standing pat. Possible suitors include private equity firms and chief rivals Ace Hardware and Do it Best Corp.
Ace, based in nearby Oak Brook, has expressed interest, but said that thusfar it has not been contacted by True Value.
