SFIA member AD and Torbsa Limited, a leading building supplies buying group in Canada, are announcing an agreement to merge the two groups. The merger is expected to close July 1, 2022. Established in Ontario in 1966, Torbsa is a shareholder-owned group made up of twenty-seven independent building supplies distributors, with 48 locations across Canada.
Torbsa, An Ideal match for AD
Rob Dewar, president of AD Canada, discussed how Torbsa’s strong leadership and financial success made the buying group an ideal match for AD.
“Torbsa has been a leader in this space for a long time, and our new relationship will help us provide more benefits for members, including an increased supplier portfolio,” Dewar said. “We both share a passion for serving independents and helping them thrive in competitive markets, and we’re honored to have them join the AD community.”
Merger Creates Building Supplies Division
The merger will create a new division: AD Canada – Building Supplies. Torbsa President Paul Williams will head the division while reporting to Dewar, and three additional Torbsa employees will join the AD team.
“The decision to align our business with AD was one that was scrutinized thoroughly,” Williams stated. “TORBSA and its shareholders are truly excited at the road ahead, as we lay the foundation for what will be many years of success as a business.”
For the fourth consecutive year, SFIA member AD has been recognized as a Top Workplace in the Delaware Valley.
AD Deepens Presence in Canada
AD Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg talked about how this merger deepens AD’s presence in Canada and marks another significant point of growth for AD.
“A key priority for us in recent years has been growing our presence in Canada, and our leadership team has done an amazing job identifying opportunities and expanding our multi-divisional footprint. With a new Canadian division and multiple new associates coming on board, the future continues to look bright for AD Canada,” Weisberg said.
Williams commented on AD’s reputation in the industry and how the merger will support Canadian independents.
“AD brings decades of experience, strong leadership throughout the organization, with strong business ethics and core values that align with our own. Their scale and expertise across North America give us the strength to compete and succeed in an ever-changing marketplace,” Williams said.
About AD
AD is the largest contractor and industrial products wholesale buying group in North America. AD provides independent distributors and manufacturers of construction and industrial products with support and resources that accelerate growth.
Our 845-plus independent member owners span 13 divisions in the U.S., Mexico and Canada with annual sales exceeding $58.5 billion. AD’s 13 divisions cover industries including electrical, industrial, safety, bearings and power transmission, plumbing, PVF, HVAC, decorative brands and building materials.
About Torbsa
TORBSA Limited is a shareholder owned buying group of independent building supply companies, who work together to earn a competitive edge by way of purchasing power,
information technology, and the facilitation of invaluable relationships with our members, as well as key suppliers throughout the industry.
