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With 2024 shaping up to be another big year in distribution M&A, we spoke with several investment banks on the state of industry dealmaking, what’s driving it, best practices and the outlook for 2025.
Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.
This index includes:
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Wholesale revenues, inventories and ratios from February 2019.
In this two-page report, available to download in PDF after log-in, we feature data on merger and acquisition trends and financial metrics for the largest publicly traded distributors across diverse sectors in the first quarter of 2019.
In partnership with Houlihan Lokey, an investment banking firm, the report includes data on M&A activity trends across all industries (not just distribution), as well as valuation multiples for deals in all industries.
Three ways distributors can leverage the power of e-commerce.
Organic sales were relatively unchanged compared to last year.
First-quarter results show declines in four out of five segments.
Profit increased 9% over the prior year.
Profit was up 33.3% over the previous year.
Profit was up 7.8% during the quarter.
OTC provides technical and consultative sales, repair and aftermarket capabilities through a network of 38 locations across 17 states.
Sales for first six months were up 7.6% compared to prior-year period.
The company has commenced an internal and external search for a new CFO.
MDM’s top news briefs from News briefs from March 26 – April 10, 2019.
The MDM Market Snapshot, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes market demand for Electrical Wire & Cable in the U.S., plus the top end users by 6-digit NAICS.
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Digital is driving a lot of change in distribution, but not everything. There are other factors at play. Its important to not fixate on Amazon (but dont ignore!). Its more important to maintain some perspective to figure out your best moves in 2019 to stay relevant to each part of the success formula your customers, employees and suppliers. Our lead article touches nicely on this.
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As President of Kelly & Hayes, a 73-year-old commercial and industrial electrical supply house, Christian Brockey knows firsthand the challenge of selling materials that have been sitting on the shelf for years. Often, we say that we have six months of good purchasing and 73 years of mistakes in our warehouse, Brockey says. Meeting that challenge led Brockey to found DistributorStock.com, an e-commerce marketplace to help independent distributors nationwide list shelf stock for sale online. MDM spoke with Brockey to hear his vision for the website, now in Beta, and how he sees it helping to move distributors stale inventory.
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In the world of digital, many distributors dont know where to start. Thats the consensus among several speakers at MDMs upcoming 2019 Digital Distributor Summit. Over the course of June 18-20, nearly a dozen distribution veterans will provide attendees with specific knowledge on how to figure out where their company stands now with digital technology application, develop the most essential foundational components for a successful program and find the right strategy to shape their future.
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According to data from the eighth-annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing, more than half of manufacturers who responded to the 2019 MDM-Real Results Marketing State of E-Commerce survey said they are using e-commerce to sell to end-users.
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Three key changes that are forcing distributors to reexamine sales coverage models
Earnings for the fourth quarter decreased 15.4%.
WESCO strengthens safety product presence in Canada with acquisition.
United Rentals enters into specialty pump business with acquisition.
As the face of the workforce shifts, managers need new skills to connect and effectively lead a more diverse employee base. A new book, Flex: The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences, was written to address this need. MDM Editor Lindsay Konzak recently spoke with the book’s co-author Jane Hyun, an executive coach and global leadership adviser to Fortune 500 firms.
This interview includes Hyun's take on:
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In 2013, Grainger surpassed $3 billion in sales from e-commerce channels, representing a third of total company sales. Paul Miller, vice president of global e-commerce for Grainger, spoke with Editor Lindsay Konzak about Grainger’s approach and plans for e-commerce.
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Brady shifting focus to other business areas, including dentification solutions and workplace safety.
In this two-page report, available to download in PDF after log-in, we feature a new, expanded quarterly report with data on merger and acquisition trends and financial metrics for the largest publicly traded distributors across diverse sectors.
In partnership with Houlihan Lokey, an investment banking firm, we have added data on M&A activity trends across all industries (not just distribution), as well as valuation multiples for deals in all industries.
Speaker: Too many leaders fail to see the positive things the next generation brings to the table.
Building products distributor will open a new location in La Crosse later this month.
Regal Beloit acquires vapor recovery company.
Where there are gaps, there are opportunities. MDM’s research on the state of analytics in wholesale distribution identified clear gaps across analytics technology, talent and techniques. This perspective from Publisher Tom Gale talks about why you should think about a strategy and plan for analytics.
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Research conducted by MDM on the adoption and use of analytics by wholesale distribution companies revealed several key trends:
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"Truthiness" describes using intuition or gut feeling to define "truth" without regard to facts, data or even logic. Today, there's a lot of truthiness surrounding big data, market planning and customer relevance.
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Many distributors have struggled with where to invest limited dollars to meet the demands resulting from the rapidly growing role of technology in the industry. This article looks at distributors’ current technology challenges and plans, identified by respondents to the 2014 MDM Industry Outlook Survey, sponsored by NetSuite.
More details from the 2014 MDM Industry Outlook will be provided in the upcoming Jan. 16, 2014, webcast, the 2014 Distribution Industry Outlook.
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Kolektor Liv sells cisterns to customers in more than 30 countries.
Crawford manufactures brass components and air assemblies for tractor and trailer markets.
Manufacturing Revival Radio talks with Tom Muccino of Nordson EFD.
MDM readers identify their biggest technology challenges for the new year.
The industrial hose manufacturer has been planning to expand in Wisconsin.
Grainger’s strategic moves dominate the list in 2013.
Avnet acquired a majority interest in MSC Group in October.
Distributors looking to balance renewed focus on their core with meeting customer demand to provide more are turning to master distributors to achieve that end. This article looks at how the role of master distributors has evolved and the additional roles they now play for traditional distributors.
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Cut through the noise of todays markets with data and analysis
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PwCs quarterly analysis of M&A activity shows trends expected to affect deal volume.
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Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in December 2015.
Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.
This index includes:
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Strategic investments are critical despite economic conditions.
Transportation equipment led the increase, up 11.5 percent.
Electronics distributor spends big to reach key audiences.
The distribution industry is due for a remodel. What has worked for decades still works, but it is far less effective now for businesses that want to grow. MDMs team has identified key areas that distributors need to focus on in 2016 to build the adaptive model that changing market conditions require.
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Distributors that invest wisely in talent, technology or other areas of their business will gain a competitive advantage and market share when economic conditions improve. This article explains why strategic investment is critical and provides tips on where and how to devote resources.
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For business leaders to get better, they must disrupt their own businesses, engage more deeply with employees and continually innovate. This article shows how they can achieve these steps and others on the path to transforming their leadership skills.
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Distributors cant rely on what works today to get them through tomorrow. Being proactive is key to future success.
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The MDM Market Analysis, based on data from MDM Analytics, includes consumption of HVACR supplies by end user in the U.S., plus the top end users by 6-digit NAICS.
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This report was formerly called the Inflation by Commodity Group Report.
This report is researched and produced by MDM editors. View the Third Quarter 2015 report here.
These product groups provide a snapshot of inflation trends based on the Producer Price Index from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fourth quarter 2014 pricing levels are compared with fourth quarter 2015, third quarter 2015 with fourth quarter 2015, and end of year 2014 with end of year 2015.
To view this report, log-in and click on download link below the product listing to access the print-ready PDF.
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Industrial
Construction
Electrical
Other Related Electrical
Power Transmission/Bearing
Fluid Power
Plastics
Fasteners
Hardware
Tools
Gases/Welding
Paper
HVACR/Plumbing
To view this report, log-in and click on Download pdf below the product listing.
Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.
This index includes:
Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:
Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in November 2015.
Distributors must create their own opportunities in a disrupted market.
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Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of more than 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of fourth-quarter 2015 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2016.
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Coincident Economic Index and Lagging Economic Index increased 0.1 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.
Continuous adaptation is the new continuous improvement.
Work with a banking partner that knows your business. Get detailed information on investment banks with expertise in the wholesale distribution industry.
Build strategic sales plans.
Determine market and demand.
Create smart prospect lists.
Turn your sales data into actionable data with Market Prospector. A web-based SAAS tool that gives you insight into your market, your territories, your customers and new prospects too.
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