Merger FAQs
General FAQs
A unified industry deserves a unified voice – and three things make that voice stronger.
One dealer voice. A unified industry deserves a unified voice – in Washington, D.C., Ottawa, and every state and province in between. AED’s established presence and NAEDA’s advocacy combine into a single, coordinated force – a bigger, unmistakable presence instead of two organizations sending legislators mixed signals on the same issues.
One continent, one association. NAEDA’s Canadian operations join AED’s footprint, strengthening manufacturer relations and industry affairs across the entire continent.
One lineup of programs—and one voice for dealers. Proven programs like the Dealer Institute and AED’s educational foundation gain greater scale, reach, and resources, while Industry Affairs builds on decades of manufacturer relations to strengthen the dealer’s voice and address the issues that matter most to their businesses.
The combined organization will operate under the name Associated Equipment Dealers (AED). AED’s new name reflects the combined organization and represents all equipment dealers, including agricultural, construction, and outdoor power equipment dealers. Upon completion of the merger, all NAEDA and AED members will become members of Associated Equipment Dealers (AED).
Associated Equipment Dealers will work as a unified voice standing for agriculture, construction, and outdoor power equipment (OPE) dealers across the U.S. and Canada, carrying forward the advocacy strengths of both organizations.
Dealer advocacy does not change. Associated Equipment Dealers will support dealer-protection legislation as directed by the board and will maintain regular manufacturer-dealer engagement.
The Industry Relations Fund will remain in place and be used only for advocacy, litigation, lobbying, and legal support.
Year one (2027): Associated Equipment Dealers operates under a transition board that combines both the former AED and former NAEDA boards.
Year two and beyond: The board moves to its permanent 27-member structure, designed for parity among industries.
The permanent board will have approximately 27 members, with a 12-member Executive Committee. OPE will also have representation on the board. In 2027, both boards will be seated as a transition board.
Yes. NAEDA’s chairman and vice chairman will join the current AED Executive Committee in the first year as part of the board transition, ensuring NAEDA’s perspective is represented at the leadership level from the start.
Every current NAEDA dealer member will receive a $0 dues invoice for 2027.
No action is needed. All current NAEDA members will automatically become members of Associated Equipment Dealers.
Yes. Single-location dealers are an important part of AED’s membership, and that voice will remain strong in the unified association. Voting will be one member, one vote – a single-location dealer carries the same vote as a large multi-location dealer.
The Board of Directors will have the authority to establish councils and committees as needed to ensure the industry’s voice is represented and member needs are addressed.
Canadian operations will continue under Associated Equipment Dealers. The Canadian Equipment Dealers Foundation (CEDF) will remain a separate entity.
Schaumburg, Illinois. Canadian headquarters will remain in Calgary, Alberta.
The target date for the merger is January 31, 2027, at which time Associated Equipment Dealers operations will begin.
Dealer Members, including OPE dealers, are entitled to vote. Affiliate, Associate, Manufacturer, and other non-dealer categories do not have voting rights. Eligible NAEDA members will vote to approve the merger and the amended bylaws on or about October 15- November 15, 2026.
A joint AED/NAEDA webinar will be held in October. The exact date and time is TBD. During that meeting, we will answer your questions.
Yes. Members keep the NAEDA programs and benefits they rely on today throughout the transition – nothing pauses while the two organizations combine. Dealer-protection advocacy and manufacturer-dealer engagement continue without interruption.
No. AED and NAEDA are combining through one or more mergers structured as tax-free reorganizations.
NAEDA’s existing vendor partnerships, partner programs, and contracts will continue. Where a NAEDA program overlaps with an existing AED program, the two will be recalibrated into a single offering as part of the transition – the goal is one strong version of each program, not members losing access to either.
Brian McGuire will serve as President & CEO of Associated Equipment Dealers.
Members can expect a seamless transition, with no interruption in the high-quality service, resources and support you have come to expect.
The PAC will continue as an important part of the combined organization. At closing, the intent is to bring the NAEDA PAC and AED PAC together, creating a stronger, unified voice for equipment dealers in Washington and expanding the resources available to support the industry’s federal advocacy efforts.
The Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF) will come together with the AED Foundation. By combining resources, the foundation will be positioned to expand its investment in workforce development, education, scholarships, and other initiatives that strengthen the equipment dealer industry and help develop its future workforce.
In Canada, the structure will remain distinct. The Canadian Foundation will continue as a separate entity, while the existing Canadian legal entity will be renamed AED and continue serving as the organization’s Canadian hub.
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED)
Established in 1919, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) is a not-for-profit international trade association headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., representing more than 7,800 dealer locations across North America and 1,000 companies worldwide involved in the sale, rental and support of equipment used in construction, agriculture, mining, forestry, power generation and industrial applications. AED enhances the ongoing success and profitability of its member companies through services and information including public policy advocacy, industry education & career development, industry research and analysis, and conferences.
North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA)
The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) represents over 3,500 equipment dealer locations across North America in agriculture, industrial, construction, forestry, and outdoor power sectors. Our mission is to be the unified voice of equipment dealers across North America, advocating fair policy, protecting dealer rights, and defending the future of the industry. We exist so that every dealer, regardless of size, brand, or location, has access to the guidance, representation, and support they need when it matters most.
