Lowe’s Acquires FBM for $8.8B
Lowe’s Companies has completed its acquisition of Foundation Building Materials (FBM) in a transaction valued at approximately $8.8 billion, marking one of the largest recent moves in the building materials distribution space. FBM is a major North American supplier of interior construction products — including drywall, metal framing, ceiling systems, doors, hardware, insulation, and related materials — and operates more than 370 branches across the United States and Canada.
For contractors and construction firms, this deal matters because it signals a shift in how national distributors and big-box retailers are positioning themselves around the professional market. FBM’s footprint and product range are tailored to high-volume residential and commercial builders, and bringing that network into the Lowe’s ecosystem expands access to materials that are critical to interior build-outs and finishing work.
Under the terms of the acquisition, FBM will continue to operate under its existing leadership team, led by founder and CEO Ruben Mendoza, and will maintain its brand identity while leveraging Lowe’s supply chain and broader infrastructure. Both sides have said the focus will be on improving fulfillment speed, broadening product offerings, and using digital tools to streamline ordering and delivery — all areas that directly impact project timelines and jobsite logistics.
From a construction perspective, having deeper inventory and distribution capabilities for key interior products can reduce lead times and help contractors manage schedules more effectively. FBM’s existing digital systems — including mobile and e-commerce platforms that provide real-time pricing, ordering, and delivery tracking — are expected to integrate with Lowe’s Pro services, giving field teams better visibility into material flow and stock levels. Distribution Strategy Group
The acquisition also creates cross-selling opportunities with related product lines, including those from Lowe’s recent purchase of Artisan Design Group. Combined, these assets support a more comprehensive offering for large builders and commercial contractors, covering everything from structural interiors to surface finishes and hardware.
In practical terms on the jobsite, this expanded distribution network means project teams may see faster response times for orders of drywall, metal framing, ceilings, and other interior systems. It also means access to service and support that’s tailored to professional builders rather than the traditional retail DIY customer base.
As the construction industry continues to balance tight schedules and supply chain pressures, moves like this one reflect how distributors and retailers are adapting to meet pro contractor needs with more integrated, reliable supply channels. For general contractors, specialty trades, and procurement teams, the expanded Lowe’s-FBM platform could become a key resource for material planning and execution across a wide range of projects.