Page 12 - Jun 2022 - web optimized

Industry NEWS

torbsa announces merger with and core values that align with our own. Their About AD
AD is the largest contractor and industrial
north american buying group 'ad' scale and expertise across North America give products wholesale buying group in North
us the strength to compete and succeed in an
ever-changing marketplace,” Williams said. America providing independent distributors
and manufacturers of construction and
About TORBSA industrial products with support and resources
In operation since 1966, TORBSA Limited that accelerate growth. Their 845-plus
is a $600 million+ Shareholder owned independent member owners span 13 divisions
organization, with 47 member locations across in the U.S., Mexico and Canada with annual
Canada. Owned 100% by its Shareholders, sales exceeding $58.5 billion. AD’s 13 divisions
the business is aimed to help Canadian cover industries including electrical, industrial,
TORBSA Limited and AD, a leading contractor
and wholesale buying group, are announcing entrepreneurs succeed in the sale of building safety, bearings and power transmission,
an agreement to merge the two groups. The materials and hardware. TORBSA shareholders plumbing, PVF, HVAC, decorative brands and
merger is expected to close July 1, 2022. retain their full independence and have full building supplies. For more information, visit
“The decision to align our business with exposure to all rebate programs, with its www.adhq.com
AD was one that was scrutinized thoroughly,” vendors. For more information, visit www.
President of TORBSA, Paul Williams stated. torbsa.com
“TORBSA and its shareholders are truly
excited at the road ahead, as we lay the
foundation for what will be many years of taiga's "you don't need luck" ad wins coveted telly award in 2022
success as a business.”
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 honoured to have them join the AD
community.”
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.
AD Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg
talked about how this merger deepens AD’s
presence in Canada and marks another best work created within television and across
significant point of growth for AD. “A key video, for all screens. Receiving over 12,000
priority for us in recent years has been entries from all 50 states and 5 continents,
growing our presence in Canada, and our Telly Award winners represent work from
leadership team has done an amazing job some of the most respected advertising
identifying opportunities and expanding agencies, television stations, production
our multi-divisional footprint. With a We wanted to share some good news! companies and publishers from around the
new Canadian division and multiple new Our ‘You don’t need luck’ ad, which was world. The Telly Awards recognizes work that
associates coming on board, the future produced in collaboration with our marketing has been created on the behalf of a client, for
continues to look bright for AD Canada,” agency TAG and Lamplight Productions, was a specific brand and/or company (including
Weisberg said. recognized during the 43rd annual Telly your own) or self- directed as a creative
Williams commented on AD’s reputation in Awards and awarded Bronze in the category endeavour.
the industry and how the merger will support of Non-Broadcast: General-Sales. Enter "Taiga You Don't Need Luck" into
Canadian independents. “AD brings decades the Youtube search bar to view the award-
of experience, strong leadership throughout What are the Telly Awards? winning ad for yourself!
the organization, with strong business ethics The Telly Awards annually showcases the

12 LBMAO Reporter - May-June 2022 www.lbmao.on.ca