Rosemont-based U.S. Foodservice settles pricing dispute with feds

U.S. Foodservice, a broadline food service distributors, has entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to resolve a civil investigation of past pricing practices involving government contracts from 2000 to 2005.

The company will pay a settlement of $30 million. The company said it denies any wrongdoing, as the settlement acknowledges, and stands behind its pricing practices, which have always been consistent with the terms of its federal government contracts and food service industry standards.

"We're pleased to close this chapter in the company's past so that we can continue to focus on providing customers with top-quality products and services at the most competitive prices," said Juliette Pryor, executive vice president, general counsel and chief ethics officer, U.S. Foodservice.

With approximately $19 billion in annualized revenue, the company is headquartered in Rosemont, and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.