The Hardlines Distribution Alliance (HDA) is merging with North American Tool Suppliers (NATS), uniting two established buying and marketing groups serving the independent hardlines and automotive tool markets. The deal adds NATS’s 19 distributor members and more than 60 suppliers to HDA’s network of over 50 distributors and 400 manufacturer partners, creating one of the largest independent distribution alliances in North America.
Brooklyn-based NATS was founded in 2010 by industry veteran Sandor Epstein to bring together warehouse distributors of automotive and industrial tools and equipment. Its members serve a wide range of customers — from auto parts retailers and tool dealers to government agencies and repair shops — specializing in diagnostics, hand tools, and repair equipment that also overlap with the home improvement and industrial sectors where many HDA members operate.
“Having attended a recent HDA conference, I had the opportunity to meet with Steve and discover their organization is highly respected within the industry,” said Epstein, president of NATS. “After leading NATS since its inception more than 15 years ago, I quickly recognized that our values are closely aligned. By joining forces, we will create a dynamic organization poised for exponential growth.”
HDA CEO Steve Synnott said the merger will expand opportunities for both distributors and suppliers across the independent channel. “I have admired Sandor’s leadership at NATS and their expertise in the automotive tools and equipment market,” Synnott said. “Both organizations share a commitment to creating value for members and manufacturers. Together, we’re building a stronger, more dynamic alliance that combines the best of both cultures.”
As part of the integration, NATS’s Spring Meeting will merge with HDA’s two major annual events — the Group Merchandising Conference in May and the Executive Planning Conference in November — giving suppliers and distributors a larger platform to collaborate and plan. The combined organization will offer manufacturers streamlined access to more than 70 distributor members and a broader audience for new products, promotions, and marketing initiatives.
NATS members will also gain access to HDA’s digital tools and support systems, including its member portal, marketing services, and Central Pay System. HDA, headquartered in Denver, represents more than $7 billion in collective annual purchasing power and provides marketing, purchasing, and technology services aimed at strengthening the independent hardlines channel.
The merger reflects growing consolidation across independent distribution networks, as buying groups look to pool resources, expand category coverage, and strengthen their competitive position against larger national and online players.
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