As part of AD¡¯s commitment to ensuring a strong future for independent distributors, AD and SafetyNetwork announced that the organizations are pursuing a possible merger in the spring of 2020. This partnership would bring together two organizations to create AD¡¯s only safety-dedicated division focused on the growth of independent distributors that specialize in the safety market.
Marisol Fernandez, AD¡¯s president of the Industrial and Safety ¨C U.S. Division said the group is excited about the prospect of this merger.
¡°SafetyNetwork members are long-time, well-respected leaders in the safety space, and bring tremendous scale to our already growing safety segment,¡± Fernandez said.
SafetyNetwork CEO Mike Smeaton said AD¡¯s programs and services will bring tremendous value to his group¡¯s members and supplier-partners.
¡°I¡¯m really looking forward to introducing our members to AD-unique programs like eCommerce, AD Rewards and market planning,¡± Smeaton stated. ¡°These offerings serve to make our members stronger, distinguish them from their competitors, and meet their growth objectives.¡±
Receiving approval by both AD and SafetyNetwork boards to move forward with the process is an excellent signal, AD¡¯s chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg said.
¡°I appreciate the confidence that both boards have shown with their contingency approvals last month,¡± Weisberg said. ¡°They are showing exceptional leadership for the betterment of all members. The benefits they see coming from increased scale are compelling and include increased purchasing power, expanded services, access to a larger supplier base and sustainability. In areas where industrial and safety should collaborate, we will collaborate. In areas where they should remain separate, we will maintain separation.¡±
