Gordon Food Service (GFS) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Toronto, Ontario-based Macgregors Meat & Seafood Ltd, a major supplier to foodservice retail and private label customers across Canada.The acquisition will diversify and expand the Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA-headquartered buyer’s
offerings and distribution reach through new food categories and additional retailers.
Upon completion of the transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, Macgregors will operate as a Specialty Company of Gordon Food Service. The closing of the deal is subject to regulatory approval under Canada’s Competition Act and other customary closing conditions.
With roots dating back to 1834 in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market, independent family-owned Macgregors’ operations today include state-of-the-art dedicated raw and cooked facilities, new office and innovation center space, and a popular, adjacent store open to the public that offers an extensive range of frozen, vacuum-sealed steaks, value-added poultry and seafood. Its brand partnerships include Certified Angus Beef, 44th Street, Niman Ranch and Jail Island Salmon.
“We are excited to welcome Macgregors employees and its brands to our business,” said GFS President and CEO Rich Wolowski. “Macgregors is among the most respected in the marketplace and like Gordon Food Service, it operates with a people-focused culture. We expect our similarities will make for a smooth transition for both our customers and employees.”
Macgregors President and General Manager Duncan Macgregor Jr. commented: “As our family contemplated Macgregors’ future strategic direction in the Canadian foodservice and retail landscape, we identified key important factors in selling the business. This included shared values, vision, passion for the business, and seamless opportunity for our staff. We’ve come to respect and admire the similarities with the Gordon family and anticipate an exciting future as part of the Gordon Food Service group of Specialty Companies.”
For 125 years, GFS has grown to become the largest family business in the foodservice industry, serving operators in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions of the United States and coast to coast in Canada. It also operates more than 170 Gordon Food Service Store locations in the USA.
