OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwired - Apr 29, 2016) - Readerlink Distribution Services, LLC ("RDS") and ANconnect, LLC have entered into an agreement whereby RDS will acquire the ANconnect retail book distribution business. The transaction will close on April 29, at 11:59 pm CT.
ANconnect's music and video distribution businesses are not included in the transaction.
Readerlink is the largest full-service book distribution company to non-trade booksellers in the USA, selling approximately one out of every three trade books sold nationwide. The transaction is expected to bring additional resources to ANconnect customers, including an expanded portfolio of tailored products and services and broader category management capabilities.
Certain management team members of the acquired business are joining the Readerlink team. In addition, physical book merchandising services for stores previously supplied by ANconnect will continue to be provided by Anderson Merchandisers, an affiliate of ANconnect.
Under the terms of the transaction, Readerlink will acquire ANconnect's Winder, Georgia and Denton, Texas distribution centers and 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 C.E.O. of RDS. "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."
Charlie Anderson, Chairman of both ANconnect and Anderson Merchandisers, said, "In a rapidly consolidating industry, this transaction for ANconnect results in the best possible outcome for our associates as well as our customers. At Anderson Merchandisers, our close association with time sensitive entertainment product has presented the company with a unique growth opportunity for broad based brand representation in a dynamic industry."
About Readerlink Distribution Services, LLC
Readerlink Distribution Services, LLC is the largest full-service book distributor to non-trade booksellers in North America, selling approximately one out of every three trade books, and is a recognized leader in distribution logistics, value-added category management services, field services and business analytics. Readerlink's solutions include full-service print book distribution, online print book distribution, print on demand and e-book fulfillment. Readerlink is located in Oak Brook, IL. For more information, go to www.Readerlink.com.
About ANconnect, LLC
ANconnect, LLC is a member of the Anderson Companies which owns and operates Anderson Merchandisers, LLC. Anderson Merchandisers, a leader in retail services, will continue to perform in-store marketing and merchandising services for Readerlink Distribution Services.