Builders FirstSource has acquired Premium Building Components, a Queensbury, N.Y.-based designer and manufacturer of wall panel and truss products. The acquisition provides Builders FirstSource with its first truss and wall panel operations in the state. "Their capabilities will complement our operations and support the execution of our strategic priorities," Builders FirstSource CEO Peter Jackson says. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

QXO has secured a $1.2 billion investment led by Apollo Global Management and affiliated investors to further its acquisition plans. Structured as convertible perpetual preferred stock, the funding is earmarked for qualifying acquisitions through July 15, with the option to extend if a deal is agreed to before that date. The investment offers a 4.75% annual dividend and can be converted into QXO common shares.

Rexel issued a direct denial of recent takeover rumors following a report from French media that claimed CVC Capital Partners, with guidance from Cevian Capital, was negotiating to acquire the company, and that General Electric had shown interest in its North American operations. Rexel responded with a public statement clarifying that there are no ongoing discussions or negotiations with any potential buyers and that the company remains committed to its current strategy.

Commercial traffic across the Great Lakes is being disrupted due to frozen conditions, exacerbated by insufficient Coast Guard resources to break up the ice. Shipments of dry bulk materials, including iron ore, stone and salt, are being affected. US Coast Guard vessels are having the most difficulty, but the Canadian Coast Guard is also experiencing some challenges.

Supply chain finance has long been a crucial component of business, but the evolving tariff landscape has brought its importance into sharp focus. It is essential to understand how supply chain finance factors into the entire process, rather than just selecting a product, says Kiley Kunkler, executive director of global receivables and trade finance at Wells Fargo. Kunkler says tariffs are forcing companies to reevaluate their costs, risks, and liquidity.

B2B brand campaigns must go beyond the mass appeal and emotive messaging of consumer marketing to prove value to buyers who are weighing complex decision-making and seeking vendors they can trust to drive growth, writes Gartner Marketing Practice's Christy Ferguson. "For CMOs, the challenge is clear: break free from the 'consumer brand trap' and build brand campaigns that are buyer-centric, data-driven, and tightly aligned with sales and product teams," Ferguson writes.

Clarity is essential for leaders because it underpins accountability, alignment and effective communication, writes speaker and consultant Marlene Chism, who argues that it is not just a value but a leadership discipline that prevents issues such as poor documentation and inconsistent leadership, which are often symptoms of unclear expectations. "When expectations are clear, alignment follows, accountability becomes fair and courage becomes purposeful. When clarity is absent, even the best organizations are left managing consequences instead of performance," Chism writes.

Federal Reserve officials are growing cautious about cutting rates again early in 2026, after three consecutive reductions late last year. Minutes from December's meeting show several policymakers felt the decision was finely balanced, with inflation proving stickier than hoped, even as the labor market softens.

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors has launched the Distributors Deliver Podcast, exploring the technologies and trends that are moving the industry forward. The first episode focuses on politics and policy, with NAW President and CEO Eric Hoplin discussing the issues impacting distributors with NAW Chief of Government Relations Brian Wild.

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.

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