BSH Goes Direct in Florida

Effective July 5, BSH will terminate its relationship with its Florida distributor, ARD.  ARD was BSH's longest serving distributor with 26 years distributing the Thermador brand.  With the move BSH continues its strategy of taking the fate of its distribution in its own hands.  For BSH, direct fate-management has not always been everything it's cracked up to be, with start-up logistical and organizational issues that did not remind one of a fine Swiss watch. (New England, the Southeast, Eastern Canada).  Florida's dealers may be looking forward to the wrong end of longish learning curve, but only time will tell.
ARD is a first tier distributor, diversified in brands, markets, and industries.  The problem here is that there are no obvious first tier brands left for them.  There are plenty of up-and-comers, though.
UPDATE Apr 13:  ARD president Chuck Asarno was reached for comment:  "ARD is committed to the continuation of our business and presence in the Florida market. We have the resources, personnel and 28 years of relationships to help us achieve that end"