Ace Hardware Corporation
Ace Hardware Corporation is a retailer-owned hardware cooperative headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, founded in 1924. It is not publicly traded; thousands of independent store owners are the shareholders, operating about 8,600 locations in roughly 60 countries. John Venhuizen is president and CEO.
Company Type
private
Founded
1924
Headquarters
Oak Brook, Illinois, USA
Revenue
Approximately $9.5 billion (FY2025 wholesale revenue)
Employees
Approximately 12,500 corporate employees
Primary Market
Global
Ace Hardware Corporation Timeline
About Ace Hardware Corporation
Is Ace Hardware publicly traded?
No. It is a cooperative owned by its member retailers.
Who owns Ace Hardware?
Thousands of independent store owners who purchase through the co-op.
How many Ace stores are there?
About 8,600 locations in roughly 60 countries.
Who is the CEO of Ace Hardware?
John Venhuizen, president and chief executive officer.
History of Ace Hardware Corporation
Four Chicago hardware store owners founded Ace in 1924 to pool purchasing power, formalizing the co-op model that retailers have owned ever since.
The company centralized distribution through its own warehouses, opened international markets, and became the largest member-owned hardware chain, surpassing 5,000 stores decades ago and continuing steady net-new store growth.
Brands Owned by Ace Hardware Corporation
Ace Hardware Corporation owns 2 brands in our database. Explore the ownership tree below — click categories to expand and see individual brands.
Ace Hardware Corporation
private · Founded 1924 · Oak Brook, Illinois, USA
2
brands
Ace Hardware Corporation Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Member-owner alignment and patronage dividends
- +Neighborhood convenience positioning
- +International co-op expansion
- +Ace Handyman Services growth option
Considerations
- -Big-box and online price pressure
- -Member execution variance
- -No public capital access for expansion
Frequently Asked Questions About Ace Hardware Corporation
Is Ace Hardware publicly traded?
No. It is a cooperative owned by its member retailers.
Who owns Ace Hardware?
Thousands of independent store owners who purchase through the co-op.
How many Ace stores are there?
About 8,600 locations in roughly 60 countries.
Who is the CEO of Ace Hardware?
John Venhuizen, president and chief executive officer.
Sources & Further Reading
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