Blue Yonder Acquires One Network Enterprises to Unlock an Agile, Interconnected Supply Chain 

Blue Yonder, the leader in digital supply chain transformations, today announced the closing of its acquisition of One Network Enterprises (One Network) at an enterprise value of approximately $839 million. The acquisition gives Blue Yonder customers the ability to collaborate and share data – from inventory levels to raw and finished goods materials movement – in real time across all trading partners up and down the supply chain.

With increasing volatility and continuous disruptions, retailers, manufacturers and logistics service providers (LSPs) need to achieve multi-enterprise... 

Knight-Swift Acquires DHE as Next Piece of National LTL Map

Knight-Swift Transportation announced Tuesday that it has acquired less-than-truckload carrierDependable Highway Express (DHE) for an undisclosed sum.

A wholly owned division of Los Angeles-based Dependable Supply Chain Services, DHE is a regional LTL operation with 14 service centers providing direct overnight service in California, Nevada and Arizona, according to its website. It provides LTL coverage in 40 states through partner agreements. DHE is now a non-union carrier after the Teamsters union didn’t fight a decertification...

Smithfield Foods Completes Purchase of Dry Sausage Facility from Cargill

Smithfield Foods has completed its purchase of a premier dry sausage production facility in Nashville, Tennessee, from Cargill. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The transaction fuels Smithfield’s strategy of continued growth in the value-added packaged meats segment, adding dry sausage production capacity of 50 million pounds per year. Production from the Nashville facility will support Smithfield’s existing portfolio of dry sausage brands including Margherita, Carando and Armour.

“With the added capacity from this facility, Smithfield is poised to continue to expand our packaged meats business in the... 

Casey's Announces Agreement to Acquire 198 CEFCO Convenience Stores

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. , one of the leading convenience store chains in the United States, today announced an agreement to acquire Fikes Wholesale, Inc., owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores (“CEFCO”), in an all-cash transaction for $1.145 billion. The purchase price includes tax benefits valued at approximately $165 million for a net after-tax purchase price of $980 million.

Fikes Wholesale, Inc. and CEFCO Convenience Stores began as a single “filling station” in Cameron, Texas in 1952 and has grown to be a respected operator...

Darden Restaurants to Acquire Chuy's Holdings, Inc. in Approximately $605 Million Transaction

Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Chuy's Holdings, Inc., jointly announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Darden will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Chuy's for $37.50 per share, in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $605 million. Chuy's will complement Darden's portfolio of iconic brands, which currently includes Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze...

Home Market Foods Expands Production into Newly Acquired Plant in South Windsor, CT

Home Market Foods (HMF), a leading US food manufacturer, today announced the purchase of the former Carla's Pasta production plant in South Windsor, Connecticut. HMF will invest over $70 million to build out the site, transforming it into a state-of-the-art meat production facility. By year-end 2027, HMF estimates that the company will create 210 jobs to operate the South Windsor facility. This expansion comes as part of the company's strategic plan to expand its production capabilities, innovate...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Egg Production Assets of ISE America, Inc.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced the Company has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of ISE America, Inc. and certain affiliates (“ISE”) for approximately $110 million. Cal-Maine Foods is funding the acquisition with available cash on hand. The acquired ISE assets include commercial shell egg production and processing facilities with current capacity of approximately 4.7 million laying hens, including 1.0 million cage-free, and 1.2 million pullets, feed mills, approximately 4,000 acres of land, inventories and an egg products breaking facility...

Smithfield Foods Enters Agreement to Buy Nashville Sausage Facility from Cargill 

On Thursday, Smithfield Foods announced it entered into a definitive agreement to buy a dry sausage facility from Cargill in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The latest acquisition will expand Smithfield’s growing footprint in the value-added packaged meats segment. The transaction is expected to close by the end of next month. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. 

“This transaction is a testament to our continued focus on growing our packaged meats business by staying ahead of and delivering on our customers’ preferences. Dry sausage is one of our fastest-growing...

Transaction Represents 88th Acquisition for Leading Distributor of Foodservice Packaging

Transaction Represents 88th Acquisition for Leading Distributor of Foodservice Packaging and Janitorial Sanitation Products

Imperial Dade, a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging supplies, industrial products, and janitorial supplies, today announced the acquisition of Regional Distributors, Inc. (the “Company”). The transaction represents the 88th acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, Chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

David and Tracy Scalen founded Regional Distributors in 1994 and operate with ‘Service Beyond Expectations’ and are...

Dollar Tree, Inc. Completes Transaction for 170 ‘99 Cents Only Stores’

Dollar Tree, Inc. today announced that it acquired designation rights for 170 leases of 99 Cents Only Stores across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas. The deal was completed via two transactions in May that were approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. As part of the transactions, Dollar Tree also acquired the North American Intellectual Property of 99 Cents Only Stores and select on-site furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

In April, California-based 99 Cents Only Stores filed for Chapter 11 

Clemens Food Group Acquires Kunzler & Company

Clemens Food Group of Hatfeild, Pennsylvania reported an acquisition of Lancaster based, Kunzler & Company, Inc.

Both Clemens and Kunzler have built success in the pork industry spanning over 120 years respectively, are family owned, and share core values which empasizes in family, team development and ethical business practices.

Clemens, the 5th largest pork processor in the US, will add to its portfolio three more processing plants, one in Lancaster and two in Tyrone. These locations help benefit the company's strategy to expand its support for Pennsylvania's agriculture and food processing industry...

Ventura Foods to Acquire DYMA Brands

Ventura Foods, a food manufacturing and innovation company specializing in custom and branded products for restaurants and retailers, has reached an agreement to acquire DYMA Brands.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, DYMA Brands is a leader in liquid portion control and bulk condiments, seasonings, and dry blend mixes for the foodservice industry. It has more than 500 employees and operates manufacturing facilities in Bremen, Georgia; Duluth, Georgia; Bondurant, Iowa; and Visalia, California.

All DYMA Brands employees and manufacturing locations will be acquired as part of the transaction. The DYMA Brands company will...

Delight Restaurant Group Acquires 65 Wendy's Restaurants From Primary Aim, LLC

Delight Restaurant Group announced today the acquisition of 65 Wendy's® restaurants across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia from Primary Aim, LLC. This acquisition makes Delight Restaurant Group one of the largest franchisees within the Wendy's System.

Delight Restaurant Group is a high performing and growth-oriented restaurant franchise organization founded by Managing Partners Andrew and Richard Krumholz in 2016. With this acquisition, Delight Restaurant Group will own and operate 226 restaurants, generating $500 million in sales, and employing 7,000 people in eight states. Delight Restaurant Group plans...

Sheer Logistics Acquires CargoBarn

Sheer Logistics, a premier provider of 4PL/Managed Transportation Services, value-based logistics, freight brokerage, TMS technology and Integration Platform as a Service (IPaaS) solutions purpose-built for mid-market companies, today announced the acquisition of CargoBarn, a tech-enabled third-party logistics provider (3PL) based in Atlanta, GA. CargoBarn provides full Truckload freight brokerage, expedited, drayage, and other specialized services. The acquisition will enhance Sheer's existing 3PL and freight brokerage offerings through the addition of CargoBarn's diverse and complementary customer portfolio, extensive carrier network, highly experienced sales and operations teams, and geographic footprint...

Astral Foods Sells Minority Interest in Quantum Foods

South Africa's largest integrated poultry producer, Astral Foods, has sold its 9.8% interest in Quantum Foods to Country Bird Holdings (CBH) for ZAR 141.7 million (approximately $7.6 million), effective from 5 March.

Chris Schutte, CEO of Astral, expressed that the unsolicited offer from CBH was welcome, as it was never intended to be a long-term investment.

He also stated in the same announcement: “At the time Astral acquired the 9.8% equity stake in Quantum during June 2020, there were unmitigated risks the...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Assets from Tyson Foods, Inc

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States, today announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition of a broiler processing plant, hatchery and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri, that were closed by Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) (“Tyson”) in 2023. The Company plans to remodel and repurpose the assets for use in shell egg and egg products production.

Sherman Miller, president and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc...

Navis Food Partners Announces Partnership with Prime Source Foods

Prime Source Foods, a center-of-the-plate distributor based in Londonderry, NH, announced today that it joined Navis Food Partners, a partnership of independent foodservice distributors in the Northeast. Prime Source Foods is a large independently owned, center-of-the-plate food distributor in New England and eastern New York.

The acquisition of Prime Source Foods strengthens Navis Food Partners’ presence in the protein category as well as its geographic service footprint in New England. Together with City Line Distributors, Navis Food Partners now covers northern...

Campbell Completes Acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc.

Campbell Soup Company today announced it has completed the acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Sovos Brands”) for $23 per share in an all-cash transaction, which represents a total enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion.

“This important milestone in Campbell’s history adds several market-leading and scaled premium brands to our company,” said Campbell’s President and CEO Mark Clouse. “It accelerates Campbell’s successful strategy and provides a substantial runway for sustained profitable growth. An enhanced Meals & Beverages division paired with our differentiated...

Sugar Foods Acquires Concord Foods

Sugar Foods (“Sugar Foods” or “the Company”), a food company serving prominent foodservice, grocery, retail and restaurant brands, today announced the acquisition of Concord Foods (“Concord”). With the strategic acquisition of Concord’s complementary resources, capabilities and expertise, Sugar Foods will be positioned to deliver enhanced innovations and an expanded suite of services to its customers. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Founded in 1968, Concord Foods is a leading supplier of custom ingredients and retail food products, serving nationally recognized supermarkets, food service operators and food manufacturers...

Kroger Responds After FTC Decision to Block Albertsons Merger 

On Monday news broke that the Federal trade Commission (FTC) would be challenging Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons. The FTC said that the potential merger would “eliminate competition and raise grocery prices for millions of Americans, while harming tens of thousands of workers.” Now, Kroger has responded.

“Kroger’s business model is to take costs out of the business and invest in lowering prices for customers,” the company stated. “Kroger has reduced prices every year since 2003, resulting in $5 billion invested to lower prices and a 5% reduction in gross...

Kinzie Capital Partners Announces the Acquisition of Arctic Industries

Kinzie Capital Partners LP (“Kinzie”), a Chicago-based private equity firm, announces the acquisition of Arctic Industries (“Arctic” or the “Company”), a national manufacturer and distributor of temperature control and cold storage solutions. The transaction, completed in partnership with Arctic’s management, marks an exciting new chapter for the Company as it sets the stage for further market expansion throughout the country.

Founded in 1981, Arctic operates through two business groups, Arctic’s walk-in group serving the foodservice and industrial markets with custom designed walk-in coolers and freezers and Store...

US Foods Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Earnings

US Foods Holding Corp., one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2023.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Highlights

• Net sales increased 4.9% to $8.9 billion
• Total case volume increased 5.6%; independent restaurant case volume increased 7.3%
• Gross profit increased 9.4% to $1.6 billion
• Net income available to common shareholders was $147 million
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 10.9% to $388 million
• Diluted EPS increased 59.5% to $0.59; Adjusted...

Publix Vice President to Retire; New Vice President Announced

After 45 years of dedicated service, Publix Vice President of Customer Experience Bob Bechtel announced his decision to retire March 31.

“Bob has spent his career focusing on customer service,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “Through his leadership and efforts, he has helped our associates provide a premier shopping environment that has exceeded our customers’ expectations and helped create raving fans at Publix. We thank Bob for his many years of service to Publix and wish him the best in his retirement.”...

Foodie Card Acquires The Forking Group Agency

Foodie Card, Inc. is excited to announce the acquisition of The Forking Group Agency, a New York-based media agency founded by Genna Apfel in 2020. Foodie Card has been offering marketing services to restaurants since its inception in 2018 and acquired The Forking Group in July 2023. This acquisition reinforces Foodie Card's founding mission to support independent restaurant businesses in the Tri-State Area and beyond.

"We are thrilled to introduce this expansion of our organization as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to innovation on behalf of the independent restaurant community...

GS Foods Group Acquires Diamond Foods – Expanding Operations in Louisiana

GS Foods Group, Inc. (“GS Foods”), a world-class foodservice partner owned by affiliates of Highview Capital, LLC (“Highview”) and A&M Capital Partners (“AMCP”), today announced its acquisition of Diamond Foods, a regional K-12 food distributor based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A leader in food service distribution and product solutions, GS Foods has nearly 50 years of experience meeting the unique needs of its customers nationwide. By integrating Diamond Foods into their operations in Louisiana, GS Foods builds on its recent acquisition of Lamm Foods...

Greater Omaha Packing Acquires Nebraska Meat and Bone Meal Company Heartland Proteins

US beef supplier Greater Omaha Packing has acquired Heartland Proteins, a purchaser and distributor of meat and bone meal for the feed industry.

Established by Keith Fulton, Heartland Proteins began operations in 2018. Its blending plant in Omaha, Nebraska became operational in January 2020. Its main supplier is Progressive Protein, the wholly owned rendering operation of Greater Omaha Packing.

According to Greater Omaha Packing, the acquisition will significantly expands its capabilities and allow the company to better serve a broader customer base for bovine-originated products...

Brakebush Brothers,Inc. Acquires Lake Foods to Expand its Processing Capabilities

Foodservice chicken processor Brakebush Brothers, Inc., has announced the acquisition of Lake Foods of Hartwell, GA, a portioning facility for raw, sized, marinated and ready-to-cook chicken products. The agreement was finalized on December 31, 2023.

Both companies share a solid history of business success, dedicated employees with acommitment to quality, and a focus on customer service. “We are very enthusiastic about thisacquisition. The values, expertise, and capabilities of this facility put us in great position to continue to grow our existing customer base and aggressively pursue...

TGI Fridays® Announces Sale of Select Restaurants in the Northeast to Longtime Stakeholder 

TGI Fridays® today announced the sale of eight previously corporate-owned restaurants in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette.

With a history of deep involvement and unwavering confidence in the Fridays brand, Mr. Blanchette brings an unmatched understanding of the TGI Fridays business and the restaurant's commitment to delivering excellence for guests. Following the finalization of the sale, Blanchette will lead the locations into a new phase of revitalization.

As TGI Fridays continues executing an era of transformation, the transition is poised to deliver...

Teamsters Call on FTC to Reject Korger-Albertsons Propsed Asset Sales to C&S

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters strongly opposes the sale of any assets of Kroger [NYSE: KR] or Albertsons [NYSE: ACI] to C&S Wholesale Grocers as proposed in the companies' September 2023 divestiture plan submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Teamsters, representing more than 22,000 members at Kroger and Albertsons nationwide, urge the FTC to reject C&S as a buyer.

"Kroger and Albertsons management has told everyone and anyone that no union members will lose their jobs, contracts, or hours if this...

QDOBA Completes Whole Business Securitization, Providing Additional Liquidity to Supercharge Growth

QDOBA Restaurant Corporation (“QDOBA”), the leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant franchisor and portfolio company of Butterfly Equity (“Butterfly”), today announced the closing of its inaugural $305 million whole business securitization through Qdoba Funding LLC.

The transaction optimizes QDOBA’s capital structure for ongoing growth and provides meaningful interest expense savings. Proceeds from the transaction will be used primarily to refinance QDOBA’s existing senior debt facilities and provide liquidity to invest meaningfully in general corporate initiatives, such as remodeling more than 80 corporate restaurants and adding digital menu boards to...