Lakeport's Piedmont Lumber sold to rival

<p>Mendo Mill and Lumber agreed to purchase Piedmont Lumber in Lakeport for an undisclosed amount, the companies announced Monday.</p><p>Mendo Mill and Lumber, an Ace Hardware affiliate, has four retail locations across Mendocino and Lake counties. The Piedmont Lumber store will become Mendo Mill's fifth retail location and its first in Lakeport.</p><p>Mendo Mill will acquire the 38,000-square-foot store and its inventory, said company president Mike Mayfield. Piedmont Lumber employed about 45 in Lakeport, and he said he hopes to retain as many as possible.</p><p>Piedmont Lumber closed its Lakeport location Monday, the same day it notified its employees. The company has struggled financially during the last year and sold off many of its assets.</p>