L&R Distributors Closes Deal to Acquire SAJ Distributors from Walgreens

NEW YORK, March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- L&R Distributors Inc. has closed on the deal to acquire the assets of SAJ Distributors, along with the private label line Select Brand® from Walgreen Co. This transaction was announced originally in late November 2012.

L&R will operate the existing SAJ Distribution Center and offices located in Pine Bluff, Ark., under the SAJ name and retaining the necessary SAJ staff members in customer service, accounting, purchasing and operations.  L&R will maintain the existing SAJ sales staff, delivery methods, and inventory mix.  This will ensure a "no change" turn-key solution for the existing SAJ family of customers. Over time L&R's SAJ Division will introduce new items, categories, and unique promotional programs which are currently in place and available to L&R customers across the country.

The L&R acquisition of SAJ will give L&R the geographic location to continue its growth model across all facets of its business.  It will also provide an additional 1,000 points of independent grocery distribution into L&R's existing client base.  This will continue one of L&R's strategic plans, which is to grow the independent grocery class of trade.

L&R's goal has been to seek growth organically and through acquisitions to increase its in-store presence with its retail partners.  The company said it remains steadfast in its commitment to "best in class" in-store service, competitive pricing, high in-stock levels and "first to market" programs.

About L&R:

L&R Distributors Inc. is a national distributor of over 30,000 HBC, GM, and cosmetics products, presently serving over 11,000 points of distribution within the supermarket, drug, independent and mass classes of trade across the United States. L&R currently distributes products from several distribution centers on the east and west coasts, and now the south central U.S. For more information, please visit www.lrdist.com or contact Reilly Murray, Senior Vice President (800)441-7173 Ext. 6570.

Contact: Marc Bodner, President (800) 441-7173 Ext. 2108
Art Walker, Senior VP, Finance (800) 441-7173 Ext. 2133
Baylor Guy, General Manager SAJ Operations (870) 850-8393

SOURCE L&R Distributors Inc.