CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Linden Holdings II, LLC, an affiliate of Lil’ Drug Store Products, has acquired the assets of Associated Distributors, a direct importer and retail merchandiser of Image brand sunglasses and Wavelength brand cellular accessories, for an undisclosed amount.
Lil’ Drug will provide Associated Distributors with sales, marketing, category management, operational, financial and customer-service resources, as well as access to its distribution network. The acquisition also broadens Lil’ Drug’s portfolio, which mainly features health and beauty items, snacks and automotive products.
“Partnering with Lil’ Drug Store Products gives Associated Distributors access to an extensive network of more than 100,000 stores,” said Clark Heist, founder of Associated Distributors. “With the excellent reputation of Lil’ Drug Store Products, I can only imagine the possibilities to grow this business.”
Winder, Ga.-based Associated Distributors allocates its sunglasses and cellular accessories—including iPhone chargers, cases and headsets—to more than 4,000 convenience stores nationwide, as well as select truckstops and car washes. The 45-year-old company imports its products from Taiwan.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Associated Distributors and Lil’ Drug Store Products,” said Chris DeWolf, president of Lil’ Drug Store Products. “Associated Distributors participates in a segment of the market that really is quite interesting and their unique business model is equally compelling. I look forward to growing our businesses together.”
Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Lil’ Drug Store is a leading supplier of HBC, automotive and snack products in the convenience-store channel. Besides Associated Distributors, the company markets brands such as Rolaids, Ricola, Carmex, Allegra, Rayovac, Opti-Free PureMoist, Systane Ultra, Harvest Snaps, Sensible Foods and Popchips.
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