Featured Blog Archives

MDM’s 3Q25 MarketPulse Report is Here, Reflecting July-September Performance, Pricing & Expectations

Our third quarter MarketPulse shares a wealth of data from the 3Q25 Baird-MDM Industrial Distribution Survey - conducted in early October - that covered respondents' revenue performance, pricing updates and expectations for 4Q25 and 2026, plus plenty of sector-specific commentary.

October 21, 2025

Market Analysis

Research: Do Distributors Expect Better 2026 Demand After Rate Cuts? Not Necessarily

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).

October 20, 2025

Facilities Maintenance (MRO)

Grainger to Exit U.K.: Divests Cromwell, Closes Zoro U.K.

It marks a regional exit for Grainger after 10 years in the U.K. and a sharper focus on North America and Japan.

October 17, 2025

Finance

MDM Amplify: OB3’s Financial Flexibility for Distributors

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers long-awaited tax clarity for distributors — but only for those who know how to use it. In this sponsored MDM Amplify Podcast, Grant Thornton leaders explain the OB3's biggest implications, from bonus depreciation to new production deductions, and share how distributors can turn tax certainty into a strategic advantage.

October 16, 2025

How SRS Distribution and InstaLILY are Rewiring Growth with AI

AI adoption in distribution isn’t just a technology story — it’s a leadership story and one that centers on partnerships. SRS Distribution’s collaboration with InstaLILY demonstrates the power of approaching AI not as a transactional vendor purchase, but as a strategic partnership designed to rewire how an organization grows. Learn all about it here.

October 15, 2025

Economic Trends

MDM Forecast: October 2025 Update

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).

October 14, 2025

Mergers & Acquisitions

MDM’s 3Q25 M&A Report is Here

See our breakdown of M&A activity by product category, the latest EBITDA trading multiples for 28 top industrial distributors and our detailed rundown of all deals we tracked during July-September, which improved sequentially but remained overall subdued compared to 2023-2024.

October 13, 2025

Market Analysis

Fastenal Sales Momentum Carries through September as it Leans More into Fasteners, Key Accounts

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).

October 13, 2025

From Silicon Valley to Supply Chains: Why 2 Stanford MBAs Brought AI Research into Distribution

Two Stanford MBAs took a two-year deep dive into researching AI use in wholesale distribution — conducting 200+ executive interviews with industry leaders. Their takeaway: distributors are not only ready for AI, they’re eager for it. Here’s why they’re making this industry their career focus.

October 9, 2025

5 Signs Your Distribution Business is Ready for AI

AI in distribution isn’t about having perfect data — it’s about knowing where to start. Here, discover five benchmarks that may signal your business is more AI-ready than you think.

October 7, 2025

MDM Blog

MDM’s September Premium Monthly Issue Now Available

This issue's content contains six articles that cover QXO's strategic FAQ commentary; the latest cargo theft trends distributors should be aware of; a value-to-price guide; which distributors were named "World's Best Companies" by TIME; our monthly M&A roundup; a Market Profile on abrasives; and more.

October 4, 2025

Mergers & Acquisitions

September M&A Roundup: Building Materials Again Leads a Weaker Month

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).

September 30, 2025

Expert Perspective

MDM Amplify: The Human Side of Digital Commerce

Joined by distribution, eCommerce and AI experts Devashish Saxena and Lance Owide, this sponsored episode explores why successful transformation is ultimately a human-first journey. Our discussion covers how distributors can approach AI with intention; the evolving role of digital leadership; and why clarity of purpose matters more than chasing the latest tools.

September 29, 2025

Technology Provider News

Q&A: An Under-the-Hood Look at Prokeep’s Order Engine

We chat with Prokeep’s CEO about how the Order Engine works, the value it provides distributors and what the industry should know about it.

September 26, 2025

Operations

Distribution Centers, Warehouses Face New Wave of Cargo Theft Fraud

This category can only be viewed by members. To view this category, sign up by purchasing MDM Premium Subscription (monthly) or MDM Premium Subscription (annual).

September 25, 2025

Using AI as a Supply Chain Agent of Change

From smarter inspections and technical support to demand planning, sourcing, and inventory optimization, this article by Avnet's CIO explores how distributors can leverage AI as a true agent of change to drive efficiency, resilience and competitive advantage.