Imperial Dade has acquired S. Freedman & Sons, a cleaning supplies, paper products and packaging supplies distributor in Landover, Md., marking the 96th acquisition under Imperial Dade's current leadership. "SFS offers high-quality products and service, which aligns well with our customer-first approach," says Imperial Dade Chairman Robert Tillis.

QXO has intensified its bid to acquire Beacon Roofing Supply, with a $124.25 per share off that values the company at $11 billion. Beacon, one of the largest building materials distributors in the country, has rejected the offer, stating it undervalues the company and does not account for future growth potential. QXO says it has secured financing for the deal and appears prepared to nominate Beacon board members and engage in a proxy fight.

Building Products is acquiring Heartland Millwork, an Iowa-based custom millwork manufacturer, to expand its manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its market position. BPI anticipates improved operational efficiency by using volume purchasing advantages and investing in advanced equipment.

Climate change and extreme weather, geopolitical instability, cybercrime, rare metals and minerals shortages and forced labor crackdowns are the top five threats to global supply chains this year, according to Everstream Analytics' 2025 Annual Risk Report. "The past year has been unprecedented, with extreme weather events, heightened geopolitical tension, and cybercrime destabilizing supply chains throughout the world," says Everstream Analytics CEO Corey Rhodes. "Navigating this year's looming risks to build a secure supply network has never been more critical."

Albertsons plans to automate 30% of its distribution volume by the end of the year, having already implemented automation at three of its 22 distribution centers. The retailer aims to save $1.5 billion over three years through these initiatives, including a new warehouse management system.

Collaboration is crucial in B2B planning to avoid siloed thinking and ensure effective use of resources as 59% of professionals experience a disconnect between their functional plans and corporate objectives, per a Forrester report. Forrester's Laura Cross and Riley McDonnell explain how B2B marketers can work with other teams to set clear priorities, define roles and maintain regular communication to keep goals aligned.

With AI's growing role in sales, teams are using AI-driven platforms to receive immediate coaching and feedback, prioritize leads and deliver tailored customer experience, writes Matt Sunshine. "Sales teams should actively explore AI solutions and consider how these technologies can be woven into their strategies to foster growth and drive innovation," Sunshine writes.

Activity in the US economy increased "slightly to moderately" during the last weeks of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve's Beige Book survey. Employment also edged upward, and contacts were more optimistic than pessimistic. "Most districts reported modest increases in selling prices, though there were instances of flat or decreasing prices as well, particularly in the retail and manufacturing sectors," according to the report.

Private equity buyers are benefiting from attractive pricing as the median price-to-earnings multiple for global buyouts declined to 11.1x in 2024, the lowest since 2016, according to SS&C Intralinks. Despite a drop in deal activity compared to the 2021 boom, the median buyout size reached a record $100 million. However, the report notes that while pricing is favorable, exits remain challenging amid liquidity pressures.

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.

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the US, SmartBrief will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20.