The North American Equipment Dealers Association and Associated Equipment Distributors announced Thursday that they intend to merge into a single organization under the AED name at the beginning of next year.
The groups said that a combined organization would provide greater value and a stronger voice for equipment dealers and distributors in the U.S. and Canada, and allow for increased reach to manufacturers, policymakers and other stakeholders.
The merger would also enable the combined group to build on the services currently offered by both associations, including education, workforce development, dealer-manufacturer relations, research, and events.
“This merger is about putting dealers first and positioning our industry for the future,” Steve Hunt, the president of H&R Agri-Power Inc. and chairman of the NAEDA board of directors, said in the announcement. “NAEDA and AED each bring strengths to the table. Together, we can preserve what our members value most while expanding what we can accomplish on their behalf.”
“This merger represents an important step toward creating a stronger, more unified voice for the equipment industry,” added Marshall Anderson, the chairman of the AED board of directors and executive vice president of RDO Equipment Co.
The merger is slated to take effect in January. The groups said that their respective leaders and staff would work together to ensure “a smooth transition and continuity of member programs and services.”
