ATC Technology Corp., a leading contract and reverse logistics company, has agreed to be purchased by GENCO Distribution System, Inc., another contract and reverse logistics provider, for $512.6 million in cash, or $25 a share.

Following the acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, ATC would no longer be a publicly held company and instead would become a wholly owned subsidiary of the privately held GENCO. The transaction is subject to standard regulatory approvals, and ATC is free to solicit competing offers until Aug. 17. The boards of both companies unanimously approved the agreement, ATC said in a statement. GENCO declined comment on the transaction.

"GENCO's broad geographic footprint and service offerings will enhance ATC's current offerings to both current and potential customers and create the potential for faster growth and greater customer diversification than exists today as a standalone business," Todd R. Peters, chairman and CEO of Downers Grove, Ill-based ATC, said in a statement.

Donald Rendulic, director, marketing and corporate communications for Pittsburgh-based GENCO, said that if the transaction is consummated, GENCO would benefit from ATC's logistics expertise in areas like hand-held devices, consumer electronics, and the automotive aftermarket, especially in the drive train category. ATC would also bring strengths in kitting, co-packing, and fulfillment that GENCO currently lacks, Rendulic said.