According to its website, Dearborn, founded as a wholesaler in 1919, operates a 350,000-square-foot main distribution center in Chicago. The company also operates a 120,000-square-foot facility for reserve stock, health and beauty care products, sundries, general
merchandise, and grocery items that are available in single unit sales.
The acquisition does not include four cash-and-carry locations in Chicago and one in Milwaukee that Dearborn plans to continue to operate under the Dearborn name, Central Grocers said.
“Our purchase of the Dearborn grocery distribution business, with its long heritage of trusted customer service, will expand our ability to continue delivering quality goods at the lowest wholesale costs to grocery retailers,” said James Denges, president, Central Grocers, in a prepared statement. “We’re working closely with Dearborn Wholesale to ensure a smooth transition and that service needs are addressed for all customers.”
Central Grocers supplies food products to more than 400 independent food retailers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. (Supermarket News: www.supermarketnews.com)