Ben E Keith Foods to acquire Kelley Foods of Alabama

Ben E Keith Foods, a US-based foodservice distributor, has announced its intent to acquire Kelley Foods of Alabama, a fresh poultry, meat, and food distribution company.

Financial details of the deal have not been divulged by either company. Completion of the deal is expected by the end of September this year.

Ben E Keith Foods president Mike Sweet said: “The acquisition of Kelley Foods of Alabama allows Ben E Keith Foods to continue its expansion into the southeast, serving new and existing customers, and providing additional opportunity for our employees and partners.

“Our organisations share many core values including similar visions and missions, a deep commitment to our employees and an unwavering focus on serving our customers.

"We are excited to welcome all Kelley Foods employees into our organisation and know we will achieve great success together.”

Set up in 1957, Kelley Foods is based in Elba, Alabama, and services customers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.

The company is owned and operated by the Kelley family. 

Kelley Foods of Alabama president and CEO Eddie Kelley said: “As family owned businesses, both Kelley Foods and Ben E Keith Foods strive to be trusted advisors and provide unmatched service to our customers, to treat our team members with dignity and respect and to partner with vendors who support us and our customers.”

"The Kelley Family is honoured to be a part of the strategic expansion of the Ben E Keith Foods service area.”

Following the acquisition, Ben E Keith Foods will retain all present Kelley Foods employees.

Eddie Kelley and vice-president of distribution Jerry Kelley will serve as advisors to Ben E Keith Foods during the transition and integration process.

The present vice-president of manufacturing Scott Kelley will continue to manage the manufacturing division. 

Scott Davison of Ben E Keith Foods has been appointed as general manager of the distribution division, which will be renamed as Ben E Keith Foods – Southeast Division in the next few months. 

Manufacturing operations will remain with Kelley Foods, which will become a unit of Ben E Keith Foods.