July 24, 2015 – Affiliated Distributors (AD)—a $31-billion contractor and industrial products wholesale buying/marketing group—announced the establishment of AD Canada Plumbing & Heating through a merger with Canaplus Limited Partnership, a buying group in Canada for independent Canadian wholesale distributors of plumbing and heating supplies, and related products.

“During our discussions with AD, it became clear that many of the best practices our members have enjoyed within Canaplus also exist within AD. Furthermore, our members should enjoy a number of additional benefits and opportunities through AD. We look forward to winning together,” wrote François Deschênes, Eric Findlay and Brian Findlay—the individuals forming the general partner of Canaplus—in a statement regarding the merger.

(Just a few years ago, AD merged with the Canadian electrical buying group Independent Electrical Distributors [IED] Limited Partnership II to form AD Canada.)

“The members are Canadian-owned and -operated entrepreneurs, local market leaders focused on a strong service perspective that complements AD values and global scope to create a winning environment for independent distribution,” said Jeffrey Beall, president of AD’s Plumbing, PVF and HVAC Divisions.

Beginning January 1, 2016, the 23 current members of Canaplus will become the founding members of AD’s newest division: AD Canada Plumbing & Heating. These members operate more than 250 branches across Canada.

“As we look to the future, we believe that AD is uniquely positioned to help independents and suppliers grow and prosper in an age of increased consolidation, globalization and channel convergence,” said Bill Weisberg, AD’s chair & CEO.

This is AD’s seventh merger since the group’s founding in 1981, and its third within Canada, says the organization.