Topco Acquires Shurfine

Topco Associates, Skokie, IL, and Shurfine International,
Northlake, IL have signed a definite agreement to merge.

Those receiving Shurfine goods, including Shurfine private
labels, will continue receiving them. Those receiving Topco
goods, including Topco’s private labels, will continue receiving
them. There is not expected to be any change in distribution for
either company.

The merger is taking place because it will leverage common
ground, making the joint venture stronger than either one of the
giant buying cooperative was before.
The plan for the acquisition is to make both companies part of
Topco Associates LLC, where Topco will transfer its major
assets. Shurfine will be a 14.3% owner of this new company.

Topco had $3.15 billion in sales last year. The company operates
through leveraging its members’ collective volume to knock down
production costs and compete economically against other national
chains. All earnings are distributed back to Topco’s member-
owners based on each member’s level of participation.

Topco’s private labels include Food Club, Top Care, Top Crest,
Pet Club, Full Circle, and the premium World Classics line of
specialty foods.

Shurfine had $645 miillion in sales last year. It carries 120
categories of goods in nine private label names. Its
distribution covers over 30,000 stores in 49 states and 40
countries.

Shurfine’s private labels include Shurfine, Ultimate Choice,
Shurfresh, Saver’s Choice, Price Saver and Shurtech.

Private Label will publish further updates on this merger as
they become available.