Sysco Corporation, a leading global foodservice distribution company, announced it has completed the acquisition of The Coastal Companies, a leading fresh produce distributor and value-added processer. The acquisition will operate as part of FreshPoint, Sysco’s specialty produce business, and enables FreshPoint to enhance its service to the important Mid-Atlantic region, strategically diversify its portfolio by adding retail and ready-to-eat capabilities and adds state-of-the-art facilities with capacity for growth.

Founded in 1992 and based in Laurel, Maryland, The Coastal Companies generates annual revenue of approximately $600 million, and is comprised of three integrated businesses:

• Foodservice Distribution – Coastal Sunbelt Produce a leading foodservice supplier of produce, specialty, fresh-cut and value-added products in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Retail Distribution – Lancaster Foods is a wholesale supplier of produce and fresh-cut products to retail distribution centers and store locations.
• Value-Added Manufacturing – East Coast Fresh is a regional processor of fresh-cut and value-added products, manufacturing items such as pre-cut fruits and vegetables, salsas, meal preparation solutions and grab-and-go items.
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Sysco acquired The Coastal Companies from Continental Grain Company and Rabo Investments (Rabobank) through Arlon Food and Agriculture Partners, LP, their co-sponsored private equity fund. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Sysco
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 58,000 associates, the company operates 343 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 650,000 customer locations.