HANCOCK LUMBER TO ACQUIRE JOHNSON LUMBER
Hancock Lumber has announced its plan to acquire Johnson Lumber, a lumberyard based in Salisbury, Massachusetts. The transaction is expected to close on May 31, 2025, with operations beginning under the Hancock name on June 2. This marks Hancock Lumber’s twelfth lumberyard and its first location in Massachusetts.
Founded in 1963 as a sawmill, Johnson Lumber has grown into a well-regarded contractor yard serving Northeast Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire and Southern Maine. The business has remained in the Johnson family for over 60 years and is known for its strong customer relationships and team-first culture.
The Salisbury location spans 12 acres and features covered storage and a contractor-focused inventory. Over 80% of its sales are delivered to job sites, aligning closely with Hancock Lumber’s delivery-driven service model. Strategically located between Hancock’s Kennebunk, Maine, and Wolfeboro, NH, facilities, the acquisition strengthens the company’s regional footprint and improves logistics.
The move also supports Hancock’s plans to expand key product lines, including wall panels, trusses, Hancock pine, Marvin windows and tiny homes. As part of the integration, 20 Johnson Lumber employees will join Hancock, including three second-generation owners — two of whom will assist during the transition period, and one who will remain as a full-time employee.
SKILLSOFT APPOINTS NEW CFO
Skillsoft Corp. (NYSE: SKIL), a digital platform that empowers organizations and learners to unlock their full potential, announced it has appointed John Frederick, the company’s current chief transformation officer (CTO), as the new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Frederick succeeds Rich Walker, who is stepping down to pursue other opportunities, and will serve in an advisory capacity until July 4.
Since re-joining Skillsoft as CTO in August 2024, he has overseen the company’s business planning, working closely with the leadership team to implement the company’s strategy to drive growth, competitiveness and efficiency. From 2018 through 2021, he served as Skillsoft’s chief administrative officer, which included leading the finance team, and the CEO of SumTotal Systems, LLC, a Skillsoft business acquired by Cornerstone in 2022. Frederick previously served as CFO of Indigo Ag, Avid Technology, Inc., and Open Solutions, Inc., among other roles.
Ron Hovsepian, executive chair and CEO, said, “John is a skilled operator who has a proven track record of leading transformations, instilling financial discipline, and driving profitable growth. He has been an important partner to the management team as we worked through the design and initial implementation phases of our transformation, and I am confident he will be a key player in helping us successfully execute our strategic plan. The Skillsoft team looks forward to continuing to work closely with John as we build on our recent progress, drive success for our customers and learners, and unlock further shareholder value.”
CONNECTION WINS SAMSUNG PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Connection (NASDAQ: CNXN) — an IT solutions provider to business, government, health care and education markets — was recently chosen as the Samsung National Partner of the Year 2024. The award was presented to Connection for delivering value to customers, exceeding mutual target goals across every product group and achieving year-over-year growth of 267%.
Tim McGrath, president and CEO of Connection said, “This recognition underscores our commitment to providing outstanding value and a world-class experience to our customers — an achievement made possible by the supportive team at Samsung. Moving forward, we will continue to build on that collaborative partnership and work together to design, deploy and optimize solutions that will deliver even greater outcomes for our customers.”
Sara Grofcsik, head of sales, B2B Display Division, Samsung Electronics America, said, “Connection has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to driving results and delivering exceptional value to customers. They have played a pivotal role in supporting some of the most innovative and influential customers, including the fastest-growing auto manufacturer and one of the top 3 mobile carriers.”
