AMCON Distributing Company announces acquisition of Burklund Distributors
AMCON Distributing Company (NYSE American: DIT)**, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, has officially announced its acquisition of Burklund Distributors, Inc., based in East Peoria, Illinois, marking a significant development in the consumer products distribution sector. The deal, expected to close in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, underscores AMCON’s strategic expansion and commitment to continuing the legacy of a family-held business that has been a cornerstone in the community since its inception by Edwin Burklund in 1939.
Christopher H. Atayan, AMCON’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, expressed honor and excitement about the acquisition, highlighting the shared values and operational philosophies between AMCON and Burklund. This merger is poised to foster growth, enhance customer service, and bolster community engagement in central Illinois, where Burklund has long been an active participant.
With this acquisition, AMCON will expand its service reach to approximately 7,400 locations across 32 states, leveraging Burklund’s distribution centers in East Peoria and Fairview Heights, Illinois. Andrew C. Plummer, AMCON’s President and Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the mutual commitment to customer service excellence and the anticipation of introducing AMCON’s advanced, customer-centered suite of services to the new customer base.
Jon Burklund, Chairman of Burklund, and Rob Hackett, President, shared their enthusiasm for joining forces with AMCON, noting the aligned commitments to team members, customers, and community. They highlighted the opportunities for enhanced capacity, technology, geographic reach, and foodservice facilities to better serve their customers.
Burklund Distributors, Inc., a third-generation family business, has been an essential part of the East Peoria community, with a strong tradition of community service. The company’s principle of “Ever Growing, Ever Changing, Always a New Direction” finds a parallel in AMCON’s innovative and customer-focused approach to business.
AMCON, along with its subsidiaries Team Sledd, LLC, and Henry’s Foods, Inc., stands as a leading distributor in the Convenience and Foodservice Distribution industry, offering a comprehensive range of consumer products. The company also operates fifteen health and natural product retail stores through its Healthy Edge Retail Group, across the Midwest and Florida.
This acquisition signifies a strategic move to consolidate AMCON’s position as a leading player in the distribution sector, enhancing its capabilities and reach to better serve an ever-growing customer base.
The merger between AMCON Distributing Company and Burklund Distributors, Inc. is a testament to the dynamic nature of the consumer products distribution industry, showcasing how legacy businesses can adapt and thrive in a changing marketplace. It reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the sector, aimed at achieving economies of scale, enhancing service offerings, and fostering community engagement. As both companies embark on this new chapter, their shared values and customer-centric philosophies are expected to drive further success and growth.