One of the most powerful middleman industries in the global economy – pharmaceutical distributors – is emerging from more than a half-decade of difficult transition.

The growing demand for products that are "good enough" and competitively priced has pushed medical-product manufacturers to develop strategies to attract and retain this new segment of customers.

Global Healthcare Exchange LLC (GHX) has finalized its acquisition of Vendormate, an Atlanta, Ga.-based company specializing in vendor relationship-management applications for healthcare providers and suppliers.

From new regulations to the growth in large-molecule temperature-sensitive products to the frequency of disruptions, healthcare companies are operating in a risk-inherent environment that is at the same time rich with new opportunities. There are favorable demographics on the horizon as populations age, become more affluent and expand in a diverse set of geographies. Meanwhile, the supply chain must stretch to accommodate new distribution channels, product specialization and innovation.