Bowling Green-based Houchens Industries, one of the largest and most diversified wholly employee-owned companies in the United States, has announced it is acquiring Louisville-based Air Hydro Power. The deal is expected to close next month.

Air Hydro’s majority owners – Matt Ott, Tom McGuire and Dick Beaven – will remain involved in the business in management roles.

Air Hydro is an industrial distributor of motion control and fluid power solutions, including automation, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical motors and hose and fittings.

The company serves more than 5,000 customers from its locations in Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.

Air Hydro has experienced steady growth since its founding in 1961 and has 21 locations and almost 300 employees.

Houchens is a 100% wholly owned ESOP that owns several operating companies in various industries, including retail, industrial manufacturing and distribution, construction, consumer products and insurance.