CONYERS, Ga. -- Hill PHOENIX Inc. has acquired Barker Co. Ltd. and its sister company, Barker Sales & Service Inc. Barker, based in Keosauqua, Iowa, is a designer and manufacturer of specialty merchandisers for supermarkets, convenience stores and foodservice locations. Financial terms of the transaction were not released. Under the terms of the transaction, the Barker organization, including its leadership team, will become part of the Hill PHOENIX Specialty Products Division.
"The depth, skills and desire of the Barker leadership team and their top managers to lead [image-nocss] the company to new levels of excellence post acquisition were a critical part of our assessment of this opportunity," said Bill Johnson, Hill PHOENIX president and CEO.
Barker Specialty Products by Hill PHOENIX will leverage the success that Barker Co. has achieved during its 28 years, continuing to focus on providing customers with innovation and creativity in display merchandiser design.
"The acquisition significantly expands the Hill PHOENIX presence in the rapidly growing and strategically important specialty merchandiser segment," Johnson said.
"This acquisition combines Barker's innovative design capabilities and broad specialty product line with the impressive technology, product engineering and performance of Hill PHOENIX," said Pat McMahon, president of Barker. "Their recent introduction of industry-leading display case energy technology and their longstanding focus on environmentally friendly refrigeration systems position Hill PHOENIX as uniquely qualified to have a significant impact on current and future Barker products, particularly as the 2012 energy mandates approach. Our customers will benefit as we combine the energy expertise and proprietary technology that Hill PHOENIX offers with Barker's innovative style and design in merchandising."
Hill PHOENIX will continue to operate the manufacturing facilities in Keosauqua and Centerville, Iowa. "We look forward to continuing the longstanding relationships Barker has enjoyed in these communities. The skilled workforce and flexible manufacturing processes are an integral part of our future success," said Johnson.
The Hill PHOENIX and Barker sales management teams will be meeting with customers, representatives and dealers soon to answer their specific questions regarding the acquisition, the companies said. In the meantime, customers are invited to view a brief video announcement on myHPTV.com, where they will have an opportunity to see Pat McMahon and Bill Johnson discuss how joining these two great companies will enable Hill PHOENIX associates to better serve their needs.
Hill PHOENIX Inc., a Dover Co., is based in Conyers, Ga. The company designs and manufactures commercial refrigerated display merchandisers and specialty products, refrigeration systems, integrated power distribution systems and walk-ins. In addition, an extensive network of independent dealers works together with Hill PHOENIX service and support centers to service the needs of customers throughout North America.
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