Berto's Gelato & Sorbet, Phoenix, Ariz., said it purchasedCharl's Ice Cream Specialties Inc., a Woburn, Mass., processor supplying the retail and foodservice channels. Terms were not disclosed.

"The acquisition of Charl's was a strategic decision based on geography, quality and demand for Berto's on the East Coast," said Ed DeBartolo, Berto's president. "We will be able to serve our East Coast clients in a timely manner and give them the attention they deserve, as well as add some new, exciting ice cream options."

Charl's line includes ice cream pies, ice cream chocolates, ice cream truffles, spumoni and other Italian-style desserts. A division of Arizona Italian Ice Inc., Berto's has a gelato and sorbet facility in Phoenix.