Building products distributor QXO has launched a hostile all-cash tender offer to acquire Beacon Roofing Supply for $124.25 per share, valuing the company at $7.7 billion. The move comes after Beacon rejected QXO's previous bids, arguing that the offer undervalues the company and does not reflect its growth potential. QXO, an industry upstart with big-money backing led by Brad Jacobs, was created with the intent to acquire distributors and is still seeking its first deal. QXO says it has secured financing for the deal and plans to nominate directors to Beacon's board.

President Donald Trump is reportedly in favor of a tariffs-before-negotiation strategy for Canada and Mexico and it remains possible that 25% tariffs could be levied on the nations as soon as Saturday. Experts are concerned the action could spark a continental trade war and disrupt supply chains that have flourished under decades of free trade.

Construction starts fell 2% in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts rose 2% and residential building starts increased 4% but nonbuilding starts dropped 14%. For 2024, total construction starts were up 6% compared with 2023, with residential and nonbuilding starts each rising 7% and nonresidential starts increasing 4%.

Advanced asset-management systems offer warehouses real-time asset tracking, customized solutions for business needs, enhanced visibility, standards compliance and greater productivity, writes Rex Kurzius, CEO of Asset Panda. Systems like Asset Panda create a single source of truth, eliminate guesswork, reduce waste and scale with the growth of the business.

Earl Adams Jr., former Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration deputy administrator, emphasizes the safety focus of autonomous trucking regulations, noting that autonomous systems like Plus' SAE Level 4 technology can shift compliance focus from driver performance to vehicle maintenance by generating extensive operational data. Adams also highlights the need for public education and exposure to build trust in autonomous technology.

Fresh products, the growth of retail media networks and private brands highlighted key trends unveiled at United Natural Foods' spring and summer show in San Diego. Private brand sales are expected to increase by 40% over the next six years, while fresh products are outpacing other in-store categories. "Innovation is key to keeping this industry vibrant," said Michael Funk, UNFI co-founder and board member. "We need to constantly reset and adapt to best meet the needs of our customers."

Prospecting is a key strategy for 81% of B2B firms, with 70% considering it essential for new business according to a Sopro report. Email is the preferred channel -- with 75% of businesses reporting good ROI -- but buyers typically use 2.5 channels. Companies face challenges such as tighter budgets and increased competition on the sales side while marketing struggles with lead generation and quality.

Return-to-office policies are on the rise, with 75% of workers required to be in the office part-time by late 2024, up from 63% in early 2023, according to Pew Research Center. The shift is causing discontent among employees who value the flexibility and work-life balance of remote work, and 46% say they might quit if remote work is scrapped. Despite this, companies -- and now the federal government -- are increasingly pushing return-to-office mandates.

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