Why This Matters to Distributors: The acquisition would combine AD’s member network with supplyFORCE’s national accounts platform, giving independent distributors additional resources to pursue large, multi-location customers while expanding AD’s portfolio of member services.
AD has signed an exclusive letter of intent to acquire supplyFORCE, a national accounts and supply chain management organization that helps independent distributors collectively serve large, multi-location customers, the companies announced Thursday.
The proposed acquisition is subject to approval by supplyFORCE shareholders and AD’s board of directors. The companies said they are conducting due diligence and expect the transaction to close during the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, supplyFORCE manages national accounts for manufacturers and other organizations with operations across multiple locations. Its network of more than 200 independent distributors serves customers through more than 2,500 branch locations, providing centralized contract management, procurement, pricing administration, and reporting while maintaining local sales and service.
If the transaction closes, AD would add supplyFORCE’s national accounts platform to its existing portfolio of member services, extending its offerings beyond traditional buying group functions.
“AD exists to provide strong independents with a vehicle to collaborate efficiently on discrete matters where collaboration with fellow independents is necessary and beneficial,” AD chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg. He said national accounts services are a natural extension of AD’s existing programs and that supplyFORCE would provide the foundation for those capabilities.
John Harman, president of The Kendall Group and chairman of supplyFORCE, said the acquisition would help independent distributors meet the growing requirements of customers with multi-site operations.
He said AD’s multi-division structure would allow supplyFORCE to expand into additional markets while supporting independent distributors serving national accounts.
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