Uni-Select Leaves Automotive Distribution Network

Uni-Select and the Automotive Distribution Network (ADN) announced that after almost 20 years of affiliation, Uni-Select will no longer be a member of the program distribution group.

For a period of time, Uni-Select will continue to support the network’s national accounts programs and existing Parts Plus and Car Care Centers members.

The announcement came just days after the ADN announced its newly-created position of senior vice president to David Prater, current president of CMB marketing, and nearly a week after Uni-Select publicized it own organizational changes, most notably, Gary O’Connor’s promotion to executive vice president, William Alexander’s appointment to the newly-created executive vice president for U.S. corporate stores and James Buzzard’s appointment to the newly-created senior vice president, Corporate Development U.S.

“We enjoyed being part of the network, which was instrumental in our growth. We will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the members of the network and its team,” said Richard Roy, president and CEO of Uni-Select. “We want to thank the network management team for their past support and throughout the coming transition.”

“Uni-Select has been a very supportive member. This separation is on a mutual basis, and simply represents their need to do what is in the best interests for their shareholders, and the needs of the network and all of its divisions to promote the interests of the entire network membership,” said Mike Lambert, president of the Automotive Distribution Network.

According to an article in Aftermarket Business, Lambert expressed how changes in 2009, specifically the addition CMB Marketing and Auto Pride under the ADN umbrella, “better prepared” the network for Uni-Select’s departure and helped mitigate any loses from their leaving.