Hills Distribution Expands Digital Capabilities with Addition of PEXUniverse

MERIDEN, Conn., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hills Distribution, a premier distributor of plumbing, HVAC and hydronic equipment, parts and supplies, has recently partnered with PEXUniverse, a leading e-commerce distributor headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.

PEXUniverse is a pure-play e-commerce distributor offering a broad catalog of plumbing, heating and HVAC parts and supplies to customers nationwide. The company has built a strong reputation for product expertise, competitive pricing, customer service and fast fulfillment.

Over nearly two decades in business, PEXUniverse has developed a highly scalable online distribution model and experienced strong double-digit organic growth in recent years. The company offers approximately 8,000 SKUs from its distribution facility and serves customers across the United States.

Vitaly Kharitonov will remain with PEXUniverse following the transaction, with Mariya Pylypyuk serving as General Manager and continuing to lead the business alongside the existing management team.

"Hills Distribution is excited to welcome PEXUniverse to the platform and deepen our presence in the e-commerce channel, which continues to gain momentum across our industry," said Ron LaBusch, CEO of Hills Distribution. "PEXUniverse has built an impressive business with a differentiated value proposition and moat, and we see meaningful opportunities to accelerate its growth while strengthening the broader Hills platform."

"When we considered the next chapter for PEXUniverse, it was important to find a partner that understood both what makes the business successful today and the significant opportunity this business has to scale," said Gennady Sharovetky, former owner of PEXUniverse. "Hills Distribution and Grove Mountain Partners share our commitment to customers, employees and long-term growth, and I am confident they are the right partners for the team as they continue building the business."

"PEXUniverse brings a differentiated capability to Hills and expands our participation in one of the fastest-growing channels within plumbing and HVAC distribution," said Jon Perry, Chairman of Hills Distribution. "The business has developed a broad product offering and an efficient digital model that complements our existing companies. We are excited about the opportunities for PEXUniverse and the broader Hills platform to grow together."

With the addition of PEXUniverse, Hills Distribution now includes five distinct brands: Plimpton & Hills, Coastal Supply Group, RJ Murray, Bender Plumbing Supply and PEXUniverse. Together, the companies operate across 40 locations throughout the Northeast, while PEXUniverse extends Hills' reach to customers nationwide through its e-commerce platform.

The partnership also expands Hills Distribution's presence in a digital channel that continues to gain share within the plumbing and HVAC distribution industry, complementing the platform's established branch network and creating meaningful opportunities for continued growth across the five businesses.

ABOUT HILLS DISTRIBUTION

Hills Distribution is a Northeast-focused platform of independent plumbing, HVAC and hydronic distributors built around a shared commitment to customer service, employee engagement and long-standing supplier relationships. Its five brands, Plimpton & Hills, Coastal Supply Group, RJ Murray Company, Bender Plumbing Supply and PEXUniverse, operate across 40 locations throughout the Northeast. Each operating company maintains its brand, leadership and way of doing business while benefiting from the scale, resources and strategic support of the broader platform. Backed by Grove Mountain Partners, Hills is focused on partnering with high-integrity owners to support growth and preserve legacy businesses.

ABOUT GROVE MOUNTAIN PARTNERS

Grove Mountain Partners is a private investment firm that invests in wholesale distribution and blue-collar services companies with annual revenues between $25 and $300 million. With a mission to build great companies, it is long-term and relationship-focused, with deep sector expertise and an operator-oriented approach.

SOURCE Grove Mountain Partners