Patient Square Capital, a health care investment firm, will acquire Patterson Cos., a Minnesota distributor of dental and animal health products, in a $4.1 billion deal expected to close by the end of the next fiscal year. Patterson President and CEO Don Zurbay says the deal will provide immediate value to shareholders and support the company's growth plans.

President-elect Donald Trump, after a meeting with International Longshoremen's Association President Harold Daggett, expressed support for the ILA in its contract negotiations with the US Maritime Alliance and criticized foreign shipping companies for prioritizing automation over US jobs. Port employers have argued automation and modern technology are necessary to improve efficiency and safety. Trump's backing could embolden the union and extend negotiations past the Jan. 15 deadline, potentially leading to another strike.

True Value executives have outlined priorities following the company's emergence from bankruptcy and acquisition by Do it Best. In a wide-ranging, town hall-type discussion, corporate leaders said they are focused on stabilizing operations, moving inventory and rebuilding trust with retailers and vendors. The company is temporarily maintaining its 20-plus distribution centers, resuming drop-shipping and is developing a plan to address 2024 rebates.

James Howe, president of Alabama-based MRO parts distributor Motion Industries, discusses his priorities for the coming months, including enhancing customer experience, investing in employee training and embracing the industrial internet of things and other technology advancements. Howe also highlights the growth of Motion Automation Intelligence through strategic acquisitions and organic development to meet the rising demand for automation solutions.

Distributors are increasingly adopting warehouse management systems to enhance efficiency, productivity and accuracy in operations, writes Eric Allais, CEO at PathGuide Technologies. Allais explores the key factors driving WMS adoption, including seamless integration with existing ERP systems, improved speed and accuracy, and strong customer support. Distributors also consider the return on investment, focusing on cost savings and better inventory management.

The threat of cybersecurity compromises continues to grow in the supply chain industry as networks become increasingly complex and the use of third-party entities creates additional vulnerabilities, according to a Moody's report. Generative AI also gives entities more methods of breaching security, the report says. The incoming Trump administration is also likely to relax regulatory oversight, which could leave supply chain security more exposed.

Supply chain leaders in 2025 will need to drill down into the details of their operations on issues such as cost-to-serve analysis, advanced risk management and ESG compliance, KPMG International consultants warn. Generative AI and new intake and orchestration technologies will play significant roles in enhancing supply chain efficiency, while industry transformation will require a focus on upskilling and adapting to the evolving supply chain landscape.

Salespeople often mistake customer interest for qualified leads, writes David Brock. Salespeople can ensure pipeline quality by asking questions about topics such as prospect urgency and necessity of change, Brock writes.

Business leaders are lobbying President-elect Donald Trump to modify his tariff plans, but Trump is showing no signs of flexibility. Trump has proposed tariffs on imports from China, Canada, Mexico and BRICS countries, raising fears of a trade war that could increase costs for US companies.

Instead of seeing payroll as a cost center, companies can boost their bottom line by seeing it as an investment in their employees, which can lead to better recruitment, retention and productivity, writes John Driscoll, former CEO of CareCentrix. "If employees have to worry about paying their bills every month, it's hard to imagine they are not unduly distracted and stressed at work," Driscoll writes.

Join us in Washington, D.C., January 27-29 for NAW's Executive Summit, bringing together the best and brightest leaders from the wholesale distribution industry. Learn more here.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW’s premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.