News

Johnson Paint | A Ring’s End Brand announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Wilmot’s Decorating Centers with a target closing date in May. Wilmot’s Decorating Centers are located in Middleboro and New Bedford, Massachusetts. The acquisition will bring Johnson Paint’s store count to 13 locations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine and parent company, Ring’s End Inc’s total store count to 33 locations, including 19 in Connecticut and one location in Westchester County, NY. As the largest retailer of Benjamin Moore paint in the Northeast, the Ring’s End family of brands now includes 25 free-standing paint and design centers and eight full-service lumber yard locations with paint and design centers within them. All Ring’s End and Johnson Paint locations carry the full suite of premium Benjamin Moore products and cater to a mix of residential and commercial customers. As multi-generational family-owned and operated businesses, Ring’s End, Johnson Paint, and Wilmot’s are a natural fit. The businesses are dedicated to their mission and company values, which include providing the very best products, taking pride in their family heritage and reputation, accountability to the highest internal standards, and dedication to the shared interests and goals of the communities they serve. Their customers benefit from premium products and hometown service in convenient locations, the ideal independent retailer model supported by Benjamin Moore.

In 1976, Bill Houlihan gradually transitioned J.J. Wilmot Painting Company from a contractor business into a retail paint store. He eventually purchased the company from his partner, Dick Wilmot, keeping the Wilmot name and expanding the product offerings to include wallcoverings, window treatments, and flooring. In 1992 Bill’s son, Scott entered the business, and they grew the company together for 20 years. In 2017 Scott added a second location in New Bedford, MA to continue providing Southeastern Massachusetts with premium products and customer service. Johnson Paint is committed to honoring the legacy the Houlihans built and is proud of the combined experience of over 2 centuries that the expanding Ring’s End family of brands will bring to the market. Mike Burkhart, President, and COO of Ring’s End says, “The wonderful legacy established by Bill and Scott Houlihan that we will honor and carry on, reflects a commitment to maintaining the values of excellent customer service and community engagement that both businesses share. The culture of Wilmot’s aligns incredibly well with Ring’s End and Johnson Paint, which made this an easy decision for both sides.”

Scott Houlihan will remain with Johnson Paint, focusing on growing market share in the South Shore. “With Scott Houlihan remaining with Johnson Paint, there's continuity in leadership, ensuring a smooth transition and a continued focus on exceeding customer expectations. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Johnson Paint | A Ring’s End Brand, expanding our reach and strengthening our position in the market. We are excited to see how the Wilmot’s team's expertise and local market knowledge will complement Johnson Paint's organizational efficiency and industry experience,” said Scott Herling, Vice President of Paint Operations for Ring’s End.