The biggest physical music wholesaler in the US, Alliance Entertainment (AEC), has acquired retail music assets and business from ANconnect (ANC) including vendor-managed inventory accounts of Walmart and Best Buy.
AEC, the largest wholesale distributor of physical home entertainment audio, video and software in the United States, says the deal will bring an expanded assortment of products to ANC customers, which includes product lines of CD, Vinyl, DVD, Blu-ray and electronic products from AEC’s current 480,000 in stock SKU base.
Alliance Entertainment says that ‘many’ ANC employees will join its ranks as part of the transition.
In addition, former ANconnect parent Anderson Merchandisers will continue to perform in-store marketing and merchandising services for Alliance Entertainment operating companies.
Following a short transitional period, distribution will operate from AEC’s Shepherdsville, KY 660,000 sq. ft. warehouse.
“ANC sells and merchandises some of the finest retailers in the United States, through brick and mortar and direct to customer websites” said Jeff Walker, CEO of AEC.
“This transaction provides AEC with additional growth opportunity to continue servicing these retailers with a wide variety of product offerings and at the same time keep the high level of merchandising service Anderson provides, resulting in a winning solution for our new customers.”
Charlie Anderson, Chairman of both ANC and Anderson Merchandisers, said, “In a rapidly consolidating industry, this transaction for ANC 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.”
Alliance Entertainment sells product into mass merchant retail brick and mortar stores, internet retailers, independent store owners and vendor managed services.Music Business Worldwide
