LIVONIA, MI -- Virginia Tile Company LLC, a Midwestern-based distributor of ceramic tile and natural stone products with headquarters in Livonia, MI, recently announced that it has purchased RBC Tile & Stone, which is headquartered in Plymouth, MN.

Virginia Tile, founded in 1928, is the leading distributor of ceramic, porcelain, stone and glass tile in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, and proudly serves residential and commercial contractors, dealers and other trade professionals. Founded in 1959, RBC is a wholesale distributor of tile and stone with six locations serving Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

"We have known RBC for many years and have worked closely with them to secure a number of commercial projects in out-of-market situations," said William Stephenson Sr., president and CEO of Virginia Tile. "RBC shares many of the same suppliers as Virginia Tile, including Crossville, Caesar, Atlas Concorde, Florim USA, Anatolia and Walker Zanger. Their 'go-to-market' strategy is very similar to ours with a particular focus on the commercial side of the business. We look forward to building on the tradition of service and quality that RBC has established over the years."

"We are excited for the opportunities that this merger brings to our business," added Brian Mark, owner and president of RBC. "I will continue to be part of this new entity not only as an equity partner, but also with a leadership role in the combined companies. Our employees are very pleased to continue to be part of an industry leading organization."

The combination of RBC and Virginia Tile, along with Virginia Tile's acquisition of ISC Surfaces earlier this year, continues a strategy of geographic expansion and creates a dominant market position as the most important supplier of tile, stone and related products in the Midwest. On a combined basis, Virginia Tile, ISC and RBC will service 14 states or almost 30% of the contiguous U.S.

The RBC acquisition also provides several important synergies to RBC, ISC and Virginia Tile.  Virginia Tile's strength in the dealer and residential market will complement RBC's commercial strength. RBC's success in cultivating large national accounts, such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Target, will benefit both Virginia Tile and ISC. Additionally, the combined entity will command attention in the industry and draw future opportunities to the benefit of all involved.