Sysco, US Foods Deal Delayed Again

Citing lengthier than expected talks with antitrust regulators, the megamerger between the nation’s two largest broadline distributors is taking a bit longer than anticipated.

When Sysco Corp. announced its planned acquisition of US Foods last December, the Houston company expected the deal to close by the end of September 2014, then pushed it to the end of the year. It now anticipates closing the deal in the first quarter of 2015 at the earliest.

The proposed merger has raised concerns not only in Washington but among operators as it significantly affects purchasing dynamics in many local markets. Sysco operates 193 distribution facilities serving approximately 425,000 customers around the world. Rosemont, Ill.-based US Foods has approximately $22 billion in annual revenue and more than 60 locations nationwide. It carries more than 13,000 E&S products in its Culinary Equipment & Supplies division.