NAEDA, AED merger could strengthen voice for equipment dealers
The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) and Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) plan to merge in January 2027, creating a unified association representing equipment dealers and distributors across the United States and Canada.
The combined organization will operate as Associated Equipment Dealers (AED) and will focus on advocacy, education, workforce development, dealer-manufacturer relations, research, events and other member services.
While the organizations primarily represent agricultural, construction and other equipment dealers, the merger is of interest to powersports dealerships that operate across multiple equipment categories, including outdoor power equipment, agriculture and other off-road products.
For those dealers, issues involving workforce development, manufacturer relationships, equipment regulations and government policy can extend beyond a single product category.
“This merger is about putting dealers first and positioning our industry for the future,” says Steve Hunt, chairman of the NAEDA Board of Directors and president of H&R Agri-Power. “NAEDA and AED each bring strengths to the table. Together, we can preserve what our members value most while expanding what we can accomplish on their behalf.”
Advocacy and industry affairs will be a central focus of the combined association. NAEDA and AED said their greater reach will allow them to more effectively represent dealers with policymakers, manufacturers and other industry stakeholders throughout North America.
“This merger represents an important step toward creating a stronger, more unified voice for the equipment industry,” says Marshall Anderson, chairman of the AED Board of Directors and executive vice president of RDO Equipment Co. “By bringing AED and NAEDA together, we can align our efforts, strengthen our advocacy and better serve equipment dealers across North America.”
The organizations also expect the merger to expand resources available for dealer education and workforce development while maintaining existing programs and services.
“Our responsibility is to look beyond where our associations are today and consider what our members will need five, 10 and 20 years from now,” Anderson adds. “This merger allows us to build that future together.”
The transition is scheduled for January 2027, with leadership and staff from both organizations working ahead of the effective date to maintain continuity of member programs and services.
The merger reflects a broader trend of dealer associations looking to consolidate resources and strengthen their ability to address issues affecting businesses that increasingly operate across multiple equipment and recreational categories.
