Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Denver, CO-based Hardlines Distribution Alliance (HDA) will merge with North American Tool Suppliers (NATS) with the goal of bolstering HDA’s network among the independent channel.

NATS’ 19 distributor members and over 60 suppliers will join HDA’s group of over 50 member distributors and 400 manufacturer partners.

Founded in 2010 by Sandor Epstein in Brooklyn, NY, NATS, now based in Cleveland, OH, was built to join warehouse distributors of automotive and industrial tools and equipment. its customer base includes automotive parts stores, programmed tool dealers, government entities and contracts, and dealerships, mechanics and garages specializing in all aspects of automotive specialty tools including full range diagnostic equipment. NATS members also carry tools to service and repair all major systems including pliers, wrenches and other hand tools that intersect with the traditional home improvement sector in which many HDA members operate.

“In the same way that HDA strives to foster collaboration within its network, NATS goal is to provide a forum to exchange marketing strategies, product information and technology,” a Nov. 3 news release stated.

With streamlined membership under the HDA umbrella, manufacturers will have the opportunity to structure programs to reach over 70 distributor members and interact with larger audiences at hosted events, the groups said. HDA and NATS will combine the NATS Spring Meeting with HDA’s Group Merchandising Conference in May and the Executive Planning Conference in November. Both vendor partners and distributor members will have greater access to key decision makers in the independent channel, further boosting growth and expansion.

“Having attended a recent HDA conference, I had the opportunity to meet with Steve (Synnott) and discover their organization is highly respected within the industry,” NATS President Sandor Epstein added. “Having led the NATS organization since its inception more than 15 years ago, I quickly recognized that our values are closely aligned, and our shared philosophy can allow us to bring even greater value to the industries we serve. By joining forces, we will create a dynamic organization poised for exponential growth.”

“I have admired Sandor’s leadership at NATS and their expertise in the automotive tools and equipment market,” added Steve Synnott, CEO at HDA. “Both NATS and HDA’s dedication to creating value for member distributors and manufacturers will help both organizations expand their respective product offerings. We are confident that by joining forces, we will create a stronger, more dynamic organization by preserving the best of both cultures and empowering our combined teams to succeed.”

HDA stated the merger of the two groups will further cement the independent channel as a key player shaping the hardlines industry.