Advantage Distribution Holdings Acquires Badger Metals

The acquisition adds Badger’s branches in Appleton, Fond du Lac, Madison and Rhinelander, expanding ADH’s network to 17 locations across seven states.

Badger Metals has served Wisconsin contractors for more than 100 years and is known for its customer relationships, service and local market knowledge. The company is led by father and son Joe and Josh Welch, who will continue to lead the business after the acquisition.

Read More:Fortem Technologies Announces Strategic Partnership with MBDA

Badger is a longtime member of BLUE HAWK, a cooperative of independent HVACR distributors. Through the group, Joe Welch built strong relationships with Lauren Roberts, CEO of cfm Distributors, and Keith Sutton, founder of CTC Supply.

As part of the deal, Joe, and Josh will become shareholders in ADH while Badger employees will also get an opportunity to share in the wider companys ownership. This reflects ADHs “We All Win Together” approach, allowing employees to benefit from the company’s future growth and success.

ADH will provide Badger with additional capital, technology, purchasing support and operational resources while allowing it to retain its local leadership, brand and customer-focused approach.

This is ADH’s third partnership with an independent HVAC distributor, following CTC Supply and cfm Distributors. Together, the companies are building a network of founder-, family-, and employee-led businesses focused on serving customers, supporting employees and strengthening independent distribution over the long term.

“When I first started thinking about Badger’s next chapter, I struggled with the idea of selling the business,” said Joe Welch, President of Badger Metals. “Badger has been around since 1913, and our family has a deep responsibility to its employees, customers, and legacy.

“Badger represents exactly why we created ADH,” said Zach Katz, Alex Gatof, and Andrew Och, Co-Founders of ADH. “This is a family-led business with more than 110 years of history, an exceptional reputation, and deep relationships across its markets.

About Advantage Distribution Holdings

Founded by Alex Gatof, Zach Katz, and Andrew Och, Advantage Distribution Holdings helps independent HVAC distributors compete in the market by providing capital, resources and operational support. The company allows its partners to maintain their local leadership, brand identity and independence while benefiting from shared resources and expertise.

Read More:AI Startup Gudea Raises $7M in Seed Funding