July 13 (Reuters) - Plumbing supplies distributor Ferguson

Enterprises ( FERG ) said on Monday it has agreed to acquire

FloWorks from private equity firm Wynnchurch Capital for about

$1.6 billion in cash, strengthening its portfolio of industrial

flow-control products and services.

Demand for industrial maintenance, repair and operations

products has remained relatively resilient compared with

construction-related spending. This has led distributors such as

Ferguson to diversify their revenue streams and increase

exposure to energy, manufacturing and process industries.

FloWorks distributes highly engineered flow-control products

and provides related services to industrial customers, giving

Ferguson greater exposure to sectors such as energy, chemicals

and manufacturing.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of

2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.