Final answer:
Approximately 50 to 70 percent of all wholesalers are known as merchant wholesalers, who buy goods, assume risks of ownership, and sell the goods to other businesses, having a crucial role in the supply chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
About 50 to 70 percent of all wholesalers are classified as merchant wholesalers. These are firms that take title to the goods they handle, meaning they buy goods, assume the risks associated with owning them, and then sell them to other businesses. Merchant wholesalers perform a range of functions including storing, selling, and delivering goods, as well as extending credit and providing marketing support to customers. They are a critical link in the supply chain that moves products from manufacturers to retailers or other entities that will use the products.