Distribution Strategy Group

Home Depot has secured U.S. antitrust clearance for its $5.5 billion tender offer to acquire building materials distributor GMS Inc.

Manufacturing activity in the Mid-Atlantic region stalled in August as new orders contracted and shipments slowed.

Three grand prize winners will receive $10,000 each, while the individuals who nominated them will receive $500.

The $8.8 billion deal will strengthen Lowe’s professional contractor offerings, expand its geographic footprint, and integrate advanced digital capabilities.

AppDirect, a B2B commerce platform, is approaching $1 billion in gross annual recurring revenue, underscoring the growing influence of digital marketplaces in distribution.

Looking ahead, ScanSource said it expects fiscal 2026 sales between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion.

Lowe’s said the deal will strengthen its “Total Home” strategy, which centers on capturing more of the $250 billion professional construction and remodeling segment.

By applying machine learning to optimize routing and inventory, Home Depot is offering faster job-site delivery.

Amazon said product availability in industrial equipment, scientific supplies, healthcare, and facilities maintenance has expanded 25% over the past year.

GMS’s more than 300 branches would be integrated with SRS’s national network, giving Home Depot control of over 1,200 locations.