ROSEMONT, IL, November 16, 2007 - Reyes Holdings, L.L.C. announced that Reinhart FoodService, L.L.C., a key company in its group of family-owned businesses, entered into an agreement to acquire the distribution business of Harker's Distribution, Inc. of LeMars, Iowa. In June of this year Reinhart FoodService acquired Harker's Eastern Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois sales areas; this transaction includes Harker's sales territories in 11 states and is scheduled to close on November 26, 2007. Harker’s will retain its meat processing operations in LeMars, Iowa and Lombardi Meats operations in Colorado and Minnesota.
Jim Harker, CEO of Harker's, said, “The move to exit the distribution business will allow Harker’s to return to our processing roots and focus on our business as a custom cut steak operation and processor. We have determined that Reinhart FoodService is better able to meet the distribution service needs of our customers due to the proximity of their facilities. With Harker’s focusing on the processing business and Reinhart as our number one customer, we anticipate long term growth in our business”.
Going forward, Reinhart FoodService will continue to offer Harker’s branded products on an exclusive basis to all current Harker’s customers, as well as to existing Reinhart FoodService customers. Reinhart FoodService, headquartered in LaCrosse Wisconsin, has been a leading broadline foodservice distributor for over 30 years. The company's sales consultants provide customers with menu planning assistance, nutrition services support, computer software training and educational seminars. Today, Reinhart FoodService delivers over 112 million cases of the best national brands and Reinhart exclusive products to 35,000 customers each year and ranks as Burger King’s and Subway's largest distributors in the United States. It's customers benefit from one-stop shopping with prompt service of over 85,000 SKUs including fresh beef, pork, poultry, seafood, produce, dairy, coffee, juice and dry groceries, deli and bakery supplies, glassware, china and utensils, paper, disposables and foodservice equipment. The company is committed to continued growth as an organization and in meeting customer needs.
Mark Drazkowski, CEO of Reinhart FoodService, said, "Our earlier acquisition of Harker's Eastern Wisconsin and Northeast Illinois territories has proven to be a great fit for Reinhart FoodService. We look forward adding Harker's meats to the RFS portfolio and welcoming many of Harker's drivers and salespeople to our team."
