AD – AD and The Edge Group Announce Intent to Merge
Wayne, Pa. – AD and The Edge Group, a distributor-owned buying and marketing group based in Houston, announced today a merger between the two organizations.
The merger will close on January 1, 2024.
The Edge Group is a market-leading buying group that connects independent distributors and manufacturers in the datacom, security, low voltage, audio/video, electronic MRO and electronic OEM industries. Through over 30 years of experience, Edge has grown to represent over 50 supplier lines and support more than 70 independent distributors with over 1,200 stocking locations. The upcoming merger will bring distributors to AD’s Electrical – U.S. division.
Marisol Fernandez, President of AD’s Electrical & Industrial Business Unit, talked about how the merger agreement expands the footprint of AD’s distributor and supplier base.
“We are thrilled about the benefits that this merger will bring to AD’s community of independent distributors, our suppliers and service providers,” said Fernandez. “Many of our Electrical members operate in industries directly aligned with The Edge Group’s markets, and members and suppliers from both groups will have the ability to grow their businesses through AD programs and expansion opportunities offered through our multi-industry strategy.”
Ron Meyers, Chairman and Founder of The Edge Group, also spoke about the value he sees in the merger agreement.
“The AD team has been an incredible partner in this process, and we are excited about what the future brings for Edge’s distributors and suppliers,” said Meyers. “We see the upcoming merger as a win-win for both groups that will support new distributor-supplier relationships, networking opportunities and sustainable growth. If AD’s history of growth and success is any indicator, the future is bright.”
AD Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg discussed how the merger agreement aligns with the values of the two groups.
“AD and Edge’s shared values became immediately clear,” said Weisberg. “Both groups have rich histories of supporting independents by helping them grow, retain market share, and make a difference in their communities. We know everyone involved will see the value and benefits of this new relationship; we can’t wait to get to work and welcome our 15th merger to the AD Community.”
SourceAD
EMR Analysis
More information on AD – Affiliated Distributor: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on Bill Weisberg (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AD): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on Marisol Fernandez (President, Electrical and Industrial Business Unit, AD): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on The Edge Group: https://www.edge-group.com/ + The Edge Group Understands DISTRIBUTION.
For over 30 years, Edge has been delivering programs to both independent distributors and leading suppliers that help promote rapid growth, improve operational efficiencies and increase profitability. Enhanced visibility through Edge’s digital marketing platform and innovative tools drives sales efforts to gain and retain market share.
Edge has grown to represent more than 200 supplier lines serving the datacom, security, low voltage, AV, electronic MRO, and electronic OEM industries. Distributor membership maintains over 1,200 stocking locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Exceeding $1.2 billion in annual buying power, Edge rivals national distributors in strength, inventory, and sales.
- 30+ Years of experience
- 120+ Members
- 1,200+ Stocking locations
- $250MM+ In inventory
- $500MM+ In annual sales
More information on Ron Meyers (Chairman and Founder, The Edge Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
More information on Nick Scarane (President, The Edge Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services
EMR Additional Notes:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):
- Company that produces parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer.
- Usually tagged on hardware or software that’s less expensive than normal retail products.
- An OEM refers to something made specifically for the original product, while the aftermarket refers to equipment made by another company that a consumer may use as a replacement.
- Electrical OEM manufacturers makes equipment or components that are then utilized by its customer, another manufacturer or a reseller, usually under the final reseller’s brand name. OEMs come in many shapes and sizes, making complete devices or specific components.
- MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations):
- It refers to all the activities needed to keep a company’s facilities and production processes running smoothly.
- Supplies consumed in the production process that do not become part of the end product.
- Maintenance professionals use MRO items to maintain company structures, equipment, and assets. Purchases that fall under MRO include maintenance tools and equipment, replacement parts for production equipment, consumables such as personal protective equipment (e.g., safety goggles, work gloves), cleaning products and office supplies.
- Integrated Supply:
- Integrated supply chain management refers to an enterprise resource planning approach to supply chain management.
- Large-scale business strategy that brings as many links of the chain as possible into a closer working relationship with each other. The goal is to improve response time, production time, and reduce costs and waste.
- Often takes the form of integrated computer systems. For example, the supplier’s computer system may be set up to deliver real-time data to the buyer’s computer. This allows the buyer to know: The current status of all orders., which products are in the supplier’s inventory …
- Integration, operations, purchasing and distribution are the four elements of the supply chain that work together to establish a path to competition that is both cost-effective and competitive.
- Integrated supply is the end-to-end process of managing the MRO supply chain (spare parts) through consolidated sourcing practices, storeroom operations, inventory management, data governance, and continuous improvement. The objective is to leverage spend, reduce transactions, and cut inventory and associated costs while eliminating risk around critical spares.