Acosta Acquires and Expands
By George Anderson
Acosta Sales and Marketing Company has acquired Luke Soules/Acosta Southwest, a broker serving Texas and New Mexico.
Gary Chartrand, chairman and chief executive officer, Acosts Sales and Marketing said the acquisition was key because, “More and more CPG companies are looking to line up with national agencies. Although our operating agreement with Luke Soules/Acosta Southwest for the past three years has been extremely effective, once we have fully integrated, all systems, policies and procedures will be seamless across North America.”
Earlier this week. Acosta acquired The Vaughn Group, a fresh food broker serving the Texas market.
Mr. Chartrand said, “Vaughn’s strength complements an existing Acosta fresh foods business in Texas to provide a best-in-class sales solution — consistent with the Acosta global mission.”
Moderator’s Comment: What impact has consolidation
had on the sales and marketing company (AKA brokers) business?
As discussed here (RetailWire 6/19/03, Wholesalers
in Fighting Mood), brokers came under some criticism at the recent Grocery
Manufacturers of America (GMA) Executive Conference.
[George
Anderson – Moderator]