Ben E. Keith Foods, Fort Worth, Texas, announced its intent to purchase Kelley Foods of Alabama. The acquisition includes all assets of Kelley Foods, including the Elba, Ala., headquarters, distribution center and manufacturing division, which produces sausages, hams and other custom products under the Kelley Foods name. Closing is expected to occur Sept. 30.

"The acquisition of Kelley Foods of Alabama allows Ben E. Keith Foods to continue its expansion into the Southeast, serving new and existing customers, and providing additional opportunity for our employees and partners," says Mike Sweet, president of Ben E. Keith Foods. "Our organizations share many core values, including similar visions and missions, a deep commitment to our employees and an unwavering focus on serving our customers. We are excited to welcome all Kelley Foods employees into our organization, and know we will achieve great success together."

Founded in 1957, Kelley Foods services customers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.

"As family owned businesses, both Kelley Foods and Ben E. Keith Foods strive to be trusted advisors and provide unmatched service to our customers, to treat our team members with dignity and respect and to partner with vendors who support us and our customers. The Kelley family is honored to be a part of the strategic expansion of the Ben E. Keith Foods service area," says Eddie Kelley, president and CEO of Kelley Foods of Alabama.

Ben E. Keith Foods will retain all current Kelley Foods employees. Eddie Kelley and Jerry Kelley, vice president of distribution, will serve as advisors to Ben E. Keith Foods during the transition and integration process. Current vice president of manufacturing, Scott Kelley, will continue to manage the manufacturing division. Scott Davison, assistant general manager of the Houston, Texas, division of Ben E. Keith Foods was named general manager of the distribution division.

The distribution division will be renamed Ben E. Keith Foods - Southeast Division in the coming months, while manufacturing operations will remain Kelley Foods, a division of Ben E. Keith Foods.