Quartermaster Inc., a Cerritos distributor of public safety uniforms and gear, said it is merging with a Kentucky competitor, Galls LLC, which is owned by a New York private equity firm.

Quartermaster, founded in 1974, sells uniforms and equipment for law enforcement, public safety and military personnel. Galls, which is based in Lexington, distributes similar products in the law enforcement and public safety markets in more than 100 countries. Galls was acquired by CI Capital Partners in September.

The companies did not disclose terms of the merger announced Tuesday, nor did they announce any corporate name changes.

“Quartermaster’s large customer base will benefit from Galls’ broad product offering, high level of customer service and East Coast distribution capabilities,” said Galls Chief Executive Bob San Julian in a statement. “In turn, Quartermaster’s highly recognizable private label brand, long-standing relationships with key suppliers and established West Coast distribution presence will be instrumental as we compete for customers in the public safety products sector.”

Jim Duncan, Quartermaster’s current chief executive, will become president of the combined company.

“As we look toward our future growth, we realize that joining forces with Galls and forming a national distribution platform is the best means of serving our customers,” said Duncan in a statement.