Cintas Corp., a workplace products manufacturer, has agreed to acquire uniform supplier UniFirst Corp. in a deal valued at $5.5 billion in enterprise value, the companies announced.

The acquisition comes more than four years after Cintas first attempted to purchase the smaller uniform supplier. The deal will be structured using both cash and stock, though specific terms of the financing arrangement were not immediately disclosed.

Cintas, which provides workplace uniforms, mats, towels and other business services, will gain UniFirst's operations across the uniform rental and workplace supply sector. UniFirst operates as a smaller competitor in the same market space, providing uniforms and facility services to businesses.

The transaction represents a significant consolidation move in the workplace supply industry, combining two established players in the uniform rental market. The deal is expected to expand Cintas's market presence and customer base in the sector.

Both companies' boards have approved the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals and UniFirst shareholder approval. The companies have not announced an expected closing timeline for the acquisition.