EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS VALLEN CORPORATION We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (No. 333-03915, 333-03917 and 333-03919) on Form S-8 of Vallen Corporation of our report dated July 23, 1999, relating to the consolidated balance sheets of Vallen Corporation and subsidiaries as of May 31, 1999 and 1998, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended May 31, 1999, which report appears in the May 31, 1999 annual report on Form 10-K of Vallen Corporation. KPMG LLP Houston, Texas August 30, 1999