Elmwood, LA (June 1, 2010) – Today, Georges Enterprises announced the acquisition of Union Grocery, a 100 million dollar Northern Mississippi-based company, further growing Georges’ conglomerate of businesses. 

In 2008, Georges Enterprises expanded its reach into the convenience store supplier industry by acquiring Harrison Company, of Shreveport, La.  With the combined strength of Imperial, Harrison and now Union Grocery, Georges has created a formidable distributor in the industry.  Georges’ aggregate of convenience store businesses has $1 billion in sales and services over 4,400 retailers in a nine state region.

Union Grocery will now operate as a division of Imperial Trading Company, one of Georges’ convenience store and food service distribution companies. Imperial plans to maintain Union’s New Albany warehouse with the overall objective to increase sales and expand jobs.

Louisiana-based Imperial owns and operates a 150,000 square foot distribution center outside of New Orleans.  With the procurement of Union Grocery, the company secures its spot as the nation’s 9^th largest convenience store wholesaler and one the largest private employers in the regional area.

Located in New Albany, Miss., Union Grocery is a family-oriented business, established in 1952. As a full service food distributor, Union offers a variety of food products. The company services over 1,400  convenience stores, supermarkets, and drug stores.

 “This is truly a great day for Georges Enterprises and Imperial Trading Company,” said John Georges, Chief Executive Officer, Georges Enterprises, LLC. “This is the next step in our continued growth and development.”

The acquisition will allow Imperial to reach all corners of Mississippi and increase its presence in Tennessee. With the combined forces of Union Grocery and Imperial, customers can benefit from a larger selection of products and services. Customers can expect the same small town feel with even greater service.

“We can now offer even more great products and services to our customers,” said Wayne Baquet, Jr., President, Imperial Trading Company.  “With this acquisition, we are taking Imperial to the next level.”

In January 2010, Georges Enterprises sold its fleet of offshore tugs under Dolphin Marine International Company to concentrate on its food distribution business.

-END-