Solutions of $Cd^{2+}$, $Co^{2+}$ and $Ni^{2+}$ were mixed with the solutions of hydroxycarboxylic acids such as salicylic, lactic and mandelic acids in the presence of cation exchange resin at room temperature. The distribution ratios of the metal ions between resin and solution were measured, using radioactive metal ions as tracer. From the observed variation of the distribution ratios with the acid anion concentrations, it was concluded that $Cd^{2+}$, $Co^{2+}$ and $Ni^{2+}$ formed the one-to-one complexes with salicylate, lactate and mandelate ions in aqueous, 20 % ethanol-water and 20 % acetone-water solutions. The results of the present study indicated that the relative stabilities of the metal-acid complexes in solution increased in the order: $Cd^{2+}$ <$Co^{2+}$ <$Ni^{2+}$ complexes. Salicylate <lactate <mandelate complexes. Aqueous <mixed solvent systems.