February 12, 2024 – AD is reporting “a record result” for 2023 in owner/member sales, which increased 5% over the prior year to $78.9 billion.

AD welcomed 49 new members to its community of independent distributors in 2023 through a combination of organic growth and a merger with the groundwater-focused Baron Group.

(This count does not include the members joining AD as part of the merger with The Edge Group in AD’s Electrical-U.S. Division, which became effective January 1.)

Purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners were $19.8 billion. Net distributions to owner/members were $1.4 billion.

Existing members acquired 41 non-AD companies and 20 fellow members. 34 of AD’s 860 members sold their business outside the group.

“The independent distributor community is strong and growing in each of our industries in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico,” said Bill Weisberg, AD chair and CEO. “Even though some independents do sell, many others are buying and expanding, adding new locations […]”

AD is the largest contractor and industrial products wholesale buying group in North America. Its 850-plus independent owner/members span 14 divisions in the U.S., Mexico, covering industries such as electrical, industrial, safety, bearings and power transmission, plumbing, PVF, HVAC, decorative brands and building materials.