Vistar Corporation Merges With Roma Food
DENVER, December 16, 2004 -- Vistar Corporation and Roma Food Enterprises,
Inc. are excited to announce the merger of their foodservice distribution businesses,
expected to be consummated by the end of January 2005.
The companies intend to continue developing their focus on becoming the leading
distributor across the country to pizza, Italian and ethnic restaurants. The
companies also are committed to servicing their existing strategic national
account restaurant chains.
The combined company will service restaurants out of 25 foodservice distribution
facilities across America. In the coming year, Vistar plans to re-brand and
re-name its own food companies using the Roma name, while continuing to operate
its 19 specialty vending distribution companies under the Vistar/VSA name.
The combined foodservice businesses will push total revenues to greater than
$3 billion annually.
Roma's chairman and founder, Louis G. Piancone, chose Vistar because, "for
50 years, our employees, our love of product, and our passion to help our customers
grow using our superior products and service - this is what it's all about.
It is the commitment Vistar has made to carry on our Roma traditions that excites
me. I am personally committed to see our two companies come together to accelerate
each other's growth." Piancone will remain chairman of Roma Food Enterprises
and be very involved with both companies in the continued development of sales
associates and supplier relationships.
Louis M. Piancone, Jr., president and chief executive officer of Roma Food,
Piscataway, and Stephen J. Piancone, executive vice president of sales and marketing
for Roma Food Enterprises, will continue in their respective roles. Both are
based in the Piscataway, New Jersey headquarters.
George Holm, president and chief executive officer of Vistar, said, "In
my 25 years in this business, I've not met anyone as committed to his customers,
his employees, and his product line as Lou. He and his Roma team, and Vistar
and its foodservice professionals, will fit together hand in glove. This is
a great combination and addition to our business."
Pat Mulhern, executive vice president of Vistar, said, "Two years into
the development of Vistar, we have laid down a solid foundation for growth.
The merger with Roma will bring us 50 years of unique customer service, an excellent
sales team, and a quality workforce dedicated to superior service. We are very
fortunate to inherit a deep and broad line of quality brands and products recognized
by over 7,500 pizza, Italian and Mexican restaurants across America."