National Pronto Association, Automotive Distribution Network planning to merge operations

GRAPEVINE, Texas — National Pronto Association and Automotive Distribution Network, two allied auto parts distributors, plan to merge their operations in a move designed to help the groups ensure their "collective future viability."

The two organizations — which together represent over 250 members in North America with an estimated annual revenue of approximately $5 billion — will become the Pronto Automotive Distribution Network, effective Jan. 1, 2021.

The combined organization's members will continue to go to market under the Pronto, Parts Plus and Auto Pride names, the organizations said.

Headquartered in Grapevine, Pronto Automotive Distribution Network will be led by Robert Roos as president and David Prater as executive vice president.

In addition, the merged business will, together with Federated Auto Parts, comprise the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group).

"Pronto members and staff are excited to partner with the Network team," Mr. Roos said. "The similarities between our two groups are significant, making the transition into one company a much easier path."

The merger is expected to benefit Network and Pronto members, as well as the two organizations' vendor partners, by increasing the membership footprint throughout North America and helping ensure their collective future viability, he added.

The merger also will enhance the groups' collective position within The Group, working alongside Federated.

"By forming the Pronto Automotive Distribution Network, we will have the ability to build on past success, make a greater impact in the marketplace, and identify more ways to benefit our members, supplier partners and associates," Mr. Prater added.

"Because the aftermarket is always evolving, taking this proactive step and merging two of the major program groups will help ensure our combined membership is well positioned to compete and achieve mutual success well into the future."

Grapevine-based National Pronto Association is an automotive program distribution group formed in 1979 and consisting of 80 shareholder owners in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. focused on marketing, technology and buying.

Germantown, Tenn.-based Automotive Distribution Network operates under the Parts Plus, Parts Plus Mexico and Auto Pride brands, and is a member of Nexus North America and Nexus Automotive International, a group of parts distributors committed to bringing a global approach to the industry.