Yep. That's how it works. Done all the time. The protection is to have an exclusive distribution agreement. Distributors for the same products are changed all the time. That's why distributors take you to lunch - good service.
lookitover, I do not think you understand what Hagemeyer does.
They ARE a middle man. Nothing more, nothing less. Reading the last few posts, Hagemeyer has told a shareholder that their agreement is not final with PDGT while others here are posting different.