Readerlink Distribution Services has signed an agreement to acquire the retail book distribution business of ANconnect. ANconnect is part of the Anderson Companies and distributes books to Walmart and Sam’s Club. The purchase is set to close April 29 at which point Readerlink will take over book distribution responsibility to about 3,600 Walmart’s and 644 Sam’s Clubs.
Following the completion of the deal, certain management team members of ANconnect will join Readerlink. In addition, physical book merchandising services for stores previously supplied by ANconnect will continue to be provided by Anderson Merchandisers, an affiliate of ANconnect.
The purchase also includes ANconnect’s Winder, Georgia and Denton, Texas distribution centers and Readerlink said it will be hiring substantially all workers in those facilities.
"We believe that ANconnect’s dedicated associates and world-class retail partners distinguish them as an industry leader,” said Dennis E. Abboud, president and CEO of Readerlink in a statement.. “This transaction provides us with additional scale, assets and resources to continue our long-standing, proven commitment to customer service and to help us and our retail partners succeed in a dynamic and evolving book market.”
