AD Acquires Fellow Buying Group SupplyForce

Affiliated Distributors on Thursday closed on its acquisition of fellow buying group SupplyForce, officials announced.

AD originally announced an agreement to add SupplyForce, a group of MRO supply chain solutions providers, in July. Officials said Thursday that the deal adds over 80 new associates to AD; SupplyForce will continue to be operated as a value-added program “similar to the AD eCommerce, AD Center for Independent Leadership, and other innovative programs.”

The deal represents AD’s 18th transaction with other member-owned groups.

“Finalizing the acquisition was the first step in helping AD to continue to invest in solutions that allow AD members to compete more effectively in the markets they serve,” SupplyForce Chairman and Kendall Group President John Harman said in a statement. “AD is well-positioned to make the necessary investments in technically advanced solutions that allow members to seamlessly compete in large, multi-site customer opportunities.”