GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Imperial Trading Co. of Louisiana has purchased the stock of GRAD Inc., parent company of convenience-store distributor S. Abraham & Sons (SAS). Imperial Trading is a wholesale distributor supplying c-stores in the Southeast.
SAS will continue in business, operating as S. Abraham & Sons. The SAS corporate office and distribution centers in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Indianapolis will continue to service all customers with no interruption. All SAS associates will maintain their positions.
The merged company will become the fifth largest c-store distributor in the United States, with service capabilities from the U.S. and Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico. Imperial and SAS will now supply more than 5,000 retail locations.
“With the expansion of our geography and capabilities, Imperial and SAS are positioned to grow exponentially by leveraging our collective strengths in a way that retailers will be offered a greater option that they have been afforded in the past,” said John Georges, owner of Imperial Trading, Elmwood, La.
Jerry Abraham has been named president of SAS. Alan Abraham will serve in an advisory capacity. Wayne Baquet will continue his role as president and CEO of Imperial Trading.
Imperial Trading services retailers in nine southern states and SAS supplies retailers in eight Midwestern states.
The two organizations share a lot of similar history and culture. Imperial Trading was founded by C.H. Pelias, a Greek immigrant, more than 100 years ago. Pelias is the grandfather of John Georges, the current owner of Imperial. SAS was founded by Sleyman Abraham, a Lebanese immigrant, more than 90 years ago.
“As we looked at opportunities for the future of our company, we sought a like-minded company with similar core values and marketing philosophies. We found them in Imperial Trading,” Alan Abraham said.
“The merged company will continue to have a major presence in servicing the convenience-store community and our focus will remain customer satisfaction,” Jerry Abraham said.
“In our desire to continue and expand our growth capabilities, we found the perfect fit for us in SAS,” Baquet said. “SAS is a leader in the Midwest, providing marketing, technology and distribution solutions for their customers. We are excited to join forces and share best practices to grow our market share.”
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