TORONTO – Toromont Industries is significantly expanding its Caterpillar dealership network with the purchase of the businesses and net operating assets of the Hewitt Group of companies. The deal is worth just over $1 billion.

Hewitt Equipment Limited is the authorized Caterpillar dealer for the province of Québec, Western Labrador and the Maritimes, as well as the Caterpillar lift truck dealer for most of Ontario. Hewitt is also the MaK dealer for Québec, the Maritimes and the Eastern seaboard of the United States, from Maine to Virginia.

“Acquiring Hewitt marks a very important milestone for Toromont and is beneficial to our customers, employees and shareholders on many levels,” said Scott J. Medhurst, Toromont president and CEO. “The Hewitt family has built a world-class organization throughout much of Eastern Canada over many decades with a strong reputation for quality service among its customers. We intend to add to its position of strength by investing in people, facilities, technology and rental fleets.”

Medhurst added, “The acquisition delivers a substantial growth opportunity, allowing us to expand into the significant Québec, Western Labrador and Maritime markets, and strengthens our expertise in the mining, construction, power systems and forestry sectors.”

Headquartered in Pointe-Claire, Que., Hewitt sells, rents and services the full line of Caterpillar and other products through its six operating business entities: Hewitt Equipment, Atlantic Tractors, Location Hewitt/Hewitt Rentals, Hewitt Material Handling, Montréal Hydraulique and SITECH QM. Founded in 1952, Hewitt has 45 branches across Eastern Canada and employs more than 2,000 people. Hewitt is privately held.

Upon close of the acquisition, Toromont’s Caterpillar dealership will operate 120 branches in Nunavut, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador, giving the company one of the largest sales territories in the Caterpillar dealer network. Toromont expects to maintain existing facilities and under its decentralized business model, regional leadership will continue to run their businesses locally.

Photo courtesy of Toromont Cat.