News
All the latest reporting and analysis from Distribution Strategy Group.
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IFDA CEO to Retire after 27 Years with Trade Association
IFDA represents the U.S. foodservice distribution industry, which the association estimates at $400 billion in annual sales.
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Fed Beige Book: Distributors See Growth from Reshoring, Data Centers Despite Rising Costs
Overall, the Beige Book suggests distributors entered the second half of 2026 with healthy demand across many industrial markets but continued pressure on profitability
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VAD, Exotic Automation Merge to Form 38-Location Industrial Distribution Company
Executives said the merger expands the company’s geographic footprint, supplier network and value-added service capabilities while providing additional scale in purchasing, warehouse operations and back-office functions.
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Big Brand Tire to Acquire Belle Tire in Deal Creating $1.5 Billion Automotive Distribution Platform
The transaction underscores continued merger activity in the automotive distribution sector as larger operators seek greater purchasing power, broader geographic coverage and increased investment in technology to compete in an increasingly consolidated market.
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Distribution Solutions Group Agrees to Go Private Under Majority Owner LKCM Headwater
This transaction marks one of the year’s largest ownership changes involving a publicly traded industrial distributor and continues the broader trend of private equity firms consolidating specialty distribution businesses with an emphasis on long-term growth and acquisition strategies.
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Fastenal Turns to AI, Acquisitions as Next CEO Takes Over
The company expects approximately $320 million in net capital expenditures this year, equal to about 3.5% of projected sales. Spending will support distribution center capacity and automation, FMI devices, and information technology infrastructure.
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Producer Prices Fall in June as Energy Costs Drop, Easing Some Pressure on Distributors
Within trade services, margins for machinery and vehicle wholesalers fell 8.4%, while food and alcohol wholesaling margins also declined.
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SupplyHouse Expands Skilled Trades Scholarship Program to $75,000
SupplyHouse said the expanded scholarship program builds on its first two years and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the skilled trades through education and workforce development.
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Highline Warren to Invest $170 Million in Georgia Distribution Hub
The automotive aftermarket distributor said the new hub will strengthen its East Coast distribution network and enable it to reach 95% of the U.S. population within two days.
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McKesson Bets on AI to Strengthen Healthcare Distribution
McKesson said more than 95% of its wired employees participated in digital learning programs designed to prepare the workforce for what it described as a “human-led AI future.”