US Foods acquires Dierks Waukesha

ROSEMONT - Food service distribution company US Foods said it will acquire Dierks Waukesha in Waukesha, Wis. for an undisclosed amount.

Family owned for three generations, Dierks Waukesha serves more than 3,500 customers throughout Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Upper Michigan, and Eastern Minnesota from fine dining restaurants and caterers to schools and institutional organizations. Known as "The Fresh Guys," the Dierks name has become synonymous with providing the freshest center of the plate items, produce and vegetables in the area. With approximately $120 million in annual sales, Dierks is one of the leading independent food service distributors in the region.

The acquisition will strengthen US Foods' presence in the Upper Midwest, the company said.

"Dierks has been a top food service provider for restaurants throughout the area since 1963 and you don't stay in business that long without doing things right," said Russell Scott, Midwest region president of US Foods. "We are excited to build on the great reputation of Dierks and introduce its customers to the innovative products and best-in-class marketing, technology and business solutions that have made US Foods an industry leader."

US Foods will service customers throughout the region from both its distribution center in Menomonee Falls, Wis. and the Dierks distribution center in Waukesha. The Dierks employees will be joining US Foods and will continue servicing customers throughout the area.

"We are excited to welcome the very talented Dierks team to the US Foods family," said Pietro Satriano, president and CEO, US Foods. "The addition of this great team and the new distribution center will allow us to better serve our customers throughout the area and positions us for continued growth throughout the region."

Thomas Muehl, one of the owners of Dierks, and Kevin Musser, CEO of Dierks, will also be joining US Foods. Both will play integral roles in the transition of the business so that it is as seamless as possible for customers.

"US Foods has a lot to offer both our customers and our employees," said Muehl. "I'm excited that the Dierks team will now be a part of this great company and for our customers to gain access to the expanded offering from US Foods that is sure to help them be even more successful."

The transaction is expected to close on Dec. 31.