Two distributors in the foodservice, JanSan and industrial packaging sectors announced on Aug. 11 that they plan to merge in a deal positioned to be a significant milestone for the industry.

Imperial Dade and BradyPLUS — the Nos. 2 and 3 companies on MDM’s 2025 Top Distributors List for JanSan, Packaging & Disposables — said the merger aims to expand service capabilities and product access for customers by combining the companies’ distribution networks and offerings. Uline has long been the top distributor in that category by market share.

The pending deal reflects major continued consolidation for the markets of JanSan, foodservice and packaging supplies, set to result in a combined company with annual revenue north of $10 billion and over 13,000 employees. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Imperial Dade is a fantastic business with a talented team and leadership that shares our core values. We are both passionate about delivering the best for our customers,” BradyPLUS Chairman and CEO Ken Sweder said in the release. “Together, we’ll be more agile, more connected to customer needs,and better equipped to provide solutions to more customers across North America.”

“We’re combining two like-minded teams who put the customer first and share a commitment to building something special for the long term,” Imperial Dade CEO Jason Tillis added. “I’m confident this partnership will create new opportunities for our people, our customers, and our suppliers.”

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The companies stated that the merger will bring benefits such as improved customer support through expanded sales teams and digital tools, broader product offerings and enhanced service coverage.

The announcement did not clarify what the branding of the resulting company will be or what its top leadership will look like.

BradyPLUS was formed through the 2023 merger of BradyIFS and Envoy Solutions and rebranded under its current name in early 2024. The company completed three acquisitions in 2023 but had not announced another until early June of this year.

Meanwhile, Imperial Dade has completed 97 acquisitions since Chairman Robert Tillis and CEO Jason Tillis assumed leadership in 2007.

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