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Tony's Fine Foods buys Columbus Distributing |
02.12.2010
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WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif.-Tony's Fine Foods, based here, acquired Columbus Distributing Inc., the perishable foods distribution division of Columbus Foods, on Feb 3.
The acquisition combines the strong product mix, distribution network and 76-year-old, family-run heritage of Tony's Fine Foods with the unique product selection and industry experience of Columbus Distributing.
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The acquisition of Columbus Distributing, based in Hayward, is the next step in Tony's Fine Foods' continued mission of pursuing efficient, service-oriented perishable food distribution partnerships with independent retailers and food service operators throughout the West Coast. It will further allow Tony's to meet the growing consumer demand for fresh, specialty foods, while providing the marketplace with handling and distribution capabilities. Vendors and customers will benefit from greater product reach, comprehensive and consolidated distribution, and enhanced logistical and storage options that ensure products are delivered fresh, multiple times per week, according to a company statement.
"Tony's Fine Foods is a trusted leader in this marketplace and our purchase of Columbus Distributing will allow us to enhance the best-in-class service that our customers have come to expect from us," said Karl Berger, chief executive officer of Tony's Fine Foods, in a statement. "The marketplace will benefit from a streamlined distribution model that deliver high-quality product, more frequently, through a single point of contact. We are adding value to the entire supply chain and helping our customers compete more effectively over the long-term."
Following the purchase, there will be a four-month transition period ending on May 31, when all Columbus Distributing operations will be moved here. Most positions will not be immediately affected through the transition period, the company said. Afterwards, Columbus will focus on its manufacturing.
"The sale of our distributing company allows Columbus to focus solely on our deli and cured meats manufacturing business and allocate valuable resources to fund growth and innovation," said Ralph Denisco, chief executive officer of Columbus Foods, in a statement. "After Tony's exits the Hayward distribution facility, we will evaluate renovating the facility to create one of the country's leading deli and cured meat slicing operations, as much of our growth has been in pre-sliced pre-packaged meats. We are also very excited about the opportunities that Tony's Fine Foods will provide our brands as they are distributed throughout Northern California."
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
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