C i n t a s' 3rd bite
lucky with Unifirst

Final $5.5Bn bid completed
Takes lead in huge market 

As PPreported in Jan, Cintas  the $10Bn uniforms specialist, made a takeover offer for $2.5Bn in sales competitor Unifirst that was rejected. "“This agreement marks a critical step in realizing substantial value for shareholders and customers,”" said ceo Todd Schneider. Third time lucky, for double the money!Full story here, first...

Hygiene market
demand downcast

Volumes decline. Prices UP!
Who is winning mkt share?

Hygiene, Foodservice & Packaging (Hypac) is the #1 business supply category alongside tech. Progressive business brands and resellers have pivoted into hygiene and wellness services. The Proficiency Index Q4'25 reports analysis to date show volumes declining, with prices up. CEO's seem complacent given soft consumer demand v Wall St AI Bubble euphoria? Updated full analysis here, first...  CCL/Avery, Sealed Air, Veritiv, Bunzl, Reckitt, ABM, PZCussons

A B M's  C l e a n
progress strong

Hygiene facility services
lifts in hybrid office work

ABM Industries the $9Bn leading US FM services provider reported continued strong organic growth in Q4'25. CEO Scott Salmirs commented. "Growth was led by Technical Solutions and building on our progress we acquired WGNSTAR to be integrated from Q2.  Full analysis here, first...

Cussons comebacks
with strong growth

Imp Leather/Carex maker sells

PZWilmar Joint Venture 

stake 

PZCussons the hygiene and personal care maker of leading brands Imperial Leather and Carex soap reported strong growth in Half1'26 to 29Nov'25. CEO Jonathan Myers said "“A strong performance across our 4 lead markets, with healthy price and volume increases". Full story here, first...

Amazon advances
HealthCare to $5Bn

Same Day delivery to 4000
US cities inc.weight loss meds

Amazon's total Health Care business embracing Pharmacy retail and One Medical is expected to top $5Bn+ sales in 2026. Same-Day delivery and new partnerships eg Eli Lilly enables it to advance rapidly as consumers #1 choice. We update latest innovations and the huge opportunity for progressive resellers to provide a oine source personalised service locally. Full story here, first

Can Network pack
Punch v Big Power 

Will BRAID dev N/Ac system

to supersede group's edge?

Leading HyPac group Network Distribution joined forces with Packaging Distributors of America (PDA) in Dec'25 to chase Affiliated Distribution in terms of heftiness. Network's strength for 150 members is its National Accounts success. With leading member BradyPlus possibly distracted by integration issues can it consolidate its market advantage with independent members? Full story here, first...complete

Is Brady+ Bunch
facing a Crunch!?

Multi-VCs, cultures, systems
leave door open  for indies?

As reported on 8Feb, 6mos on from the BRAID merger deal, no updates have been reported. Obviously, there'll be integration, systems and cultural issues with 160 resellers to sort and impatient VCs to consider. But, as mentioned this $12Bn merger maybe a massive customer distraction leaving an open goal for regional independents? We identify the likely winners. Full story here,  first...tater today

R e c k i t t  rallies
but run rate slows

Emerging markets strong
NA/EU still soft demand

Reckitt the £14Bn ($18Bn) UK based international consumer hygiene & health products giant, reported better results boosted by Emerging Markets with US and Euro markets still soft in Q4'25. Complacent CEOKris Licht commented on "results reflect improvements and strength of powerbrands.
Full analysis here, first...

D' E s s e n d a n t
selloff expectant?

Sales sink,costs soar.Who'll
scavenge vulture's carcass?

Last Sep ProficiencyPost reported the closure of ex-#1 wholesaler Essendant's OP business, forecasting the jansan rump would follow in 2026, given dodgy economics, high cost to serve and terminated trust. That day appears to be nigh? The question now is who will Sycamore sell the diminished <$1Bn business. We speculate on candidate buyers here, first..Updated

Bunzl's befuddled
growth strategy?

Is slower acquisition activity
disguising poor core results?

Bunzl the $15Bn international business supplies distributor reported disappointing results for Q4'25. Real volume trends were well down especially in US/EU markets. CEO Frank van Zanten "I'm confident in our robust business model to generate resilient growth". Where's the evidence? It seems acquisitions are distracting from poor core performance? Full analysis here, first...