Distribution Stox acquires western Canada wholesaler

BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec — Canadian tire wholesaler Distribution Stox Inc. has acquired majority ownership of North Country Tire Distributors, which has distribution in the western provinces of Alberta, British Colombia and Manitoba.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter, Distribution Stox said, subject to customary closing regulatory conditions in Canada.

The two companies have been collaborating with each other for years, Distribution Stox said, sharing complementary business ambitions and values.

Distribution Stox, whose coverage prior to this covered Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, said the acquisition bolsters its national footprint and "positions us well to expand our banner network across the country."

Unimax Ltd., the Canadian tire and auto parts distributor whose holdings include Point S Canada, owns 100% of the shares of Distribution Stox Inc., the product distributor for Unimax. Private equity management firm National Bank Private Investment acquired a 30% stake in Unimax roughly a year ago.

Unimax President and CEO Jean Novak said his firm's "priority is to be a true ally in the success of our customers and proactively engaged in an evolving industry," and said the acquisition allows the distributor "to assert our national positioning. Furthermore, forging solid partnerships with both manufacturers and the retailers in the tire and mechanical services industry is a priority for our teams."

Cory Davis, president of North Country Tire Distributors, said the agreement continues "our development in this big new family. Our current and future customers will be able to appreciate the daily work of our dedicated and committed teams."

Founded in 2015, Edmonton, Alberta-based North Country Tire operates six distribution centers in Western Canada, covering Manitoba to British Columbia.

Jared Powell-Williams, vice president of North Country Tire, said the new national footprint "creates a unified vision for customer experience coast to coast and a viable alternative for all of our mutual partners."

Distribution Stox, founded in 2016, operates 22 distribution centers and 190-plus delivery vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.