Direct South To Merge with Citisco Food Service Equipment

Two veteran Georgia-based dealers are joining forces. Macon-based Direct South has entered into a letter of intent to merge with Citisco Food Service Equipment, until recently known as Food Service Equipment, a dealer headquartered in Gainesville.

When the merger is finalized, Citisco will become part of the Direct South family of companies, while likely retaining the name Citisco. Direct South reported verified 2011 sales of $12.8 million for Foodservice Equipment Reports Top Dealer listing. Citisco, also an FER Top Dealer, had verified sales of $10.6 million last year.

In addition to the merger announcement, Direct South has appointed Nick Adams as its new president. Adams has been with the dealership for 11 years, including the last eight years as vice president. Danny Truelove will resign as president and remain the chairman of the board. The 22-year company veteran oversaw the transition of the company from a family-owned firm to an employee-owned company (ESOP) in ’09.

Direct South was founded in 1960 as Macon Restaurant Supply Co. and has become a major player in the Southeast market. In ’90, the company developed a contract and bid department to facilitate the construction of restaurants and commercial kitchens. It moved to its current location, a new 32,000 sq.-ft. facility, in ’07.

Citisco Food Service Equipment was founded in 1929, originally as an ice manufacturer. The dealership was founded as an off-shoot in ’65. The company has been owned and operated by the Romberg family for multiple generations.   

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