Williams Sausage and JC Potter Sausage Form 50/50 Joint Venture

DURANT, Okla. and UNION CITY, Tenn., July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- JC Potter and Williams Sausage Co., both of whom have been producers of premium quality food products for over 50 years, are joining forces and today announced the formation of a joint venture. Upon the closing of the agreement, Williams and Potter will each acquire a 50% interest in the joint venture, which will be called Potter Premium Sausage, LLC. The companies have already committed over $15 million in capital investments in order to improve and expand their sausage and sandwich production capabilities.

The joint venture brings together two market-leading companies with complementary capabilities and significant strategic interests in developing and expanding their current distribution networks, primarily in the South Central and South Eastern United States. Both companies have created a portfolio of powerful regional brands, many of which hold market leading positions.

The JC Potter and Williams Sausage Company partnership will have significantly increased resources to service its customers and will be able to leverage their respective core strengths to create a stronger more viable competitor in the market place.

"Their high-quality products, world class manufacturing facility and family values makes Williams Sausage a perfect partner for JC Potter," said Tom Dalton, CEO of JC Potter Sausage Company. "For the past half a century, the folks at JC Potter have taken great pride in providing our customers and consumers with high-quality, delicious products.  We are confident this joint venture will provide our customers with the promise and potential for many exciting growth initiatives in the future.  The partnership will create a deeper talent pool that will improve existing products and enhance new product development to accelerate growth at both companies."

Roger Williams, President of Williams Sausage Co. said, "We share similar priorities and cultures which focus on food safety and quality, customer service and improving our productivity, which will naturally lead us to more growth. This joint venture is an important step in our strategy to accelerate growth in our core geographic areas. We are excited about the opportunity to work with the team at JC Potter to achieve additional growth with a highly recognized brand which has a well deserved reputation for quality and service amongst its customers."

CONTACT:  Jim Williams, +1-580-924-2414, ext. 237

SOURCE JC Potter Sausage; Williams Sausage Company