NEW YORK — L&R Distributors Inc. has finalized its deal to buy SAJ Distributors and the Select Brand private-label line from Walgreen Co.
L&R said Tuesday that it will operate the current SAJ Distribution Center and offices in Pine Bluff, Ark., under the SAJ name and retain necessary SAJ staff members in customer service, accounting, purchasing and operations.
Terms of L&R’s agreement with Walgreens, announced in late November, weren’t disclosed. Walgreens had acquired SAJ Distributors as part of its purchase of USA Drug last July.
Plans call for L&R to maintain the existing SAJ sales staff, delivery methods and inventory mix. The company added that it aims to add new items, categories and promotional programs now in place and available to L&R customers nationwide.
L&R noted that the purchase of SAJ will give it the geographic location to spur growth as well as provide another 1,000 points of independent grocery distribution into its client base. The company said growing its business with independent grocers is one of its strategic plans.
A national wholesaler, L&R distributes more than 30,000 health and beauty aids, general merchandise and cosmetics products, serving over 7,000 points of distribution in the supermarket, drug store, independent and mass merchant classes of trade. It has several distribution centers on the east and west coasts.
