Hummel’s Office Plus acquires Amsterdam firm

MOHAWK, N.Y. — Hummel’s Office Plus has announced its acquisition of Seely Conover Co. in Amsterdam, located northwest of Albany in Montgomery County.

The acquisition closed Dec. 1, and Hummel’s didn’t disclose any terms of the deal.

Hummel’s, which is headquartered in Mohawk in Herkimer County, describes itself as “the largest independently owned business products supplier headquartered in Central New York.” Hummel’s is a 4th-generation family owned business.

In the deal, Seely Conover will change its name to Hummel’s Office Plus. Like Hummel’s, Seely Conover sells office supplies, furniture, janitorial, breakroom, and other business products.

Hummel’s tells BJNN that its employee count remains “around 100” following the deal.

Wayne and Gary Bovee, the brothers who owned Seely Conover, said their children weren’t interested in assuming control of the company when they were ready to give up ownership, according to a Hummel’s news release. That lack of interest drove their decision drove the decision to sell the business.

“I’m getting older and it was a good opportunity for both of us,” Wayne Bovee said in the Hummel’s release. “We had an opportunity to work our way out of the business and Hummel’s now has a larger base in this area, which will allow them to expand.”

“The joining of Hummel’s and Seely Conover is an exciting time for our organization,” Justin Hummel, CEO of Hummel’s, said. “We have been friendly competitors to Wayne and Gary for over 25 years and they have a lot to be proud of. They worked hard every day and took great care of their customers. At the end of the day, the time came for them to enjoy their hard work and our family was proud to be able to be a part of that transition.”

About Hummel’s Office Plus

Hummel’s Office Plus, known originally as Excello Typewriter, was founded by Harrison Hummel in 1934.

Today, Hummel’s operates from a corporate office and distribution center with over 80,000 square feet of space, the company said.

Justin Hummel, along with his brother, Harrison J. Hummel IV, and sister, Soláce Hummel, serve as CEO, COO, and CAO of present-day Hummel’s and are the great-grandchildren of the company’s founder.

Chip Hummel — father of Justin, Harrison and Soláce — serves as chairman of the board.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com