Imperial Trading plans to maintain Union's New Albany warehouse with the overall objective to increase sales and expand jobs.
"We can now offer even more great products and services to our customers," said Wayne Baquet Jr., president of Imperial Trading. "With this acquisition, we are taking Imperial to the next [image-nocss] level."
Elmwood, La.-based Imperial Trading owns and operates a 150,000-square-foot distribution center in the New Orleans metropolitan area. With the procurement of Union Grocery, the company secures its spot as the nation's 9th largest convenience store wholesaler and one of the largest private companies in the regional area, it said. The regional distributor is an affiliate of Georges Enterprises LLC.
Located in New Albany, Miss., Union Grocery is a family-oriented business established in 1952. As a full-service grocery company, it offers a variety of products, from candy to automotive products. The company services large supermarkets as well as convenience stores.
The acquisition will allow Imperial Trading to reach all corners of Mississippi and increase its presence in Tennessee. With the combined forces of Union Grocery and Imperial Trading, customers can benefit from a larger selection of products and services.
"This is truly a great day for Imperial Trading Co.," said John Georges, chief executive officer of Georges Enterprises. "This is the next step in our continued growth and development."
In 2008, Imperial Trading expanded its footprint by acquiring Harrison Co. of Shreveport, La., making it a major distributor in its nine-state region. Imperial Trading is approaching $1 billion in sales and services more than 3,000 retailers.
Imperial Trading and Harrison continue to work together as sister companies and now, with the acquisition of Union Grocery, Imperial Trading is poised to be a formidable distributor in the convenience store and foodservice industries, the company said.
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