Denver Hardwood Co. and its affiliated group of flooring distributors under the Hamar Group of companies will acquire the assets of the Midwest's largest flooring distributor, Misco Shawnee. The two companies have been in discussion since September 2003, and entered into a confidential letter of intent in late autumn.

Doug Hamar, president and CEO of Denver Hardwood Co., and Jim Gould, chairman of the board of Misco Shawnee, say the imminent acquisition will create one of the 10 largest flooring distribution companies in the nation and will result in a distribution network that covers two-thirds of the United States, from Ohio to the Pacific Coast.

Misco Shawnee will retain its name and continue under the direction of its current management group, as will its parent company.