PHOENIX, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc. (“Leslie’s”), the world’s largest retailer of pool and spa supplies, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain business assets of Jasper’s Clear Pool Wholesale Co. (“Jasper’s”), an Arizona corporation. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Jasper’s and Leslie’s commercial business segments in Arizona. Closing of the transaction, anticipated in August 2011, is subject to certain closing conditions.

Jasper’s has been serving the commercial pool supply segment in Arizona for many years. They have specialized in providing outstanding service to the hotel, motel and apartment industries.

Fred Burkhardt, owner of Jasper’s, believes that both organizations will be strengthened by their combined efforts, allowing the company to meet its customers’ needs more effectively. “When I decided to expand within the pool supply business, I immediately thought of Leslie’s as the perfect company to continue to develop what we’ve built,” said Mr. Burkhardt. “Our General Manager, Robert Thompson and I couldn’t be happier for our staff and our customers. Leslie’s is an organization with an outstanding record of growth and a leadership team with the highest integrity.”

After the acquisition, customers of Jasper’s will continue to receive the same high-quality services and work with the same great people they have in the past as Jasper’s’ sales and service employees are continuing on with Leslie’s, under the leadership of current General Manager Robert Thompson.

“We’ve admired Jasper’s for many years. The synergies and shared values of our two companies make this acquisition ideal for the company, our employees and our customers,” says Larry Hayward, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Leslie’s. “We are thrilled to have the associates and customers of Jasper’s join our team. Combining our efforts allows us to better serve this business segment in Arizona and beyond.”

About Leslie’s:

For almost fifty years, pool owners have trusted the experts at Leslie’s for the solutions they need to keep their pool and spa clean, safe and ready to enjoy. Leslie’s is the world’s largest retailer of pool and spa supplies and operates 688 retail stores and commercial service centers nationwide, as well as catalog (800-LESLIES) and internet (lesliespool.com) sales.

About Jasper’s:

Jasper’s Clear Pool Wholesale Supply Co. is a wholesale distributor of commercial swimming pool chemicals, equipment, parts and related installation and repair services to hotels, apartments and health clubs throughout the state of Arizona. With two facilities located in Phoenix and Tucson and under the sole ownership of Fred Burkhardt, Jasper’s has grown to become a leading swimming pool supplier for the commercial business segment in Arizona. For more information, contact Fred Burkhardt at (480) 507-5331.

For More Information, Contact:
Steven L. Ortega
Executive Vice President and CFO
Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc.
(602) 366-3812

SOURCE Leslie’s Poolmart, Inc.