Fort Worth-based foodservice distributor Ben E. Keith Foods said Sept. 8 it will acquire Kelley Foods of Alabama, a family-owned foodservice distributor and manufacturer headquartered in Elba, Ala., for an undisclosed amount.
The transaction is expected to close on Sept. 30.
The acquisition will allow Ben E. Keith Foods to continue its expansion into the Southeast, according to President Mike Sweet.
Founded in 1957, Kelley Foods services customers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. The company is owned and operated by the Kelley family, with Eddie Kelley serving as president and CEO.
Ben E. Keith Foods will retain all current Kelley Foods employees. Eddie Kelley and vice president of distribution, Jerry Kelley, will serve as advisers to Ben E. Keith Foods during the transition and integration process. Scott Kelley, vice president of manufacturing, will continue to manage the manufacturing division. Scott Davison of Ben E. Keith Foods has been named general manager of the distribution division.
The distribution division will be renamed Ben E. Keith Foods-Southeast Division, while manufacturing operations will remain Kelley Foods, a division of Ben E. Keith Foods.