EPI, Burlis-Lawson Group To Merge

Foodservice rep groups EPI, based out of Grapevine, Texas, and Burlis-Lawson Group, headquartered in Lenexa, Kan., have completed a merger agreement—set to be finalized on June 30.

The merger will extend EPI’s footprint into Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Southern Illinois.

The combined company will leverage EPI’s operational systems and infrastructure alongside BLG’s decades of regional expertise and manufacturer, consultant, dealer and end-user relationships.

“This is the right fit at the right time, and I’m excited about the future with EPI.”—Jay Lawson, Burlis-Lawson Group

“We’ve spent decades building trust with our customers and manufacturer partners in this region, and we’ve been looking for the right partner to help us grow that legacy,” says Burlis-Lawson Partner Jay Lawson. “EPI shares our values and our commitment to doing right by the customer and our partners. This is the right fit at the right time, and I’m excited about the future with EPI.”

Bill Cassidy, CEO of EPI, says the merger “represents a tremendous opportunity to bring together two strong organizations and build something even better.”

In the coming months, the groups will work to integrate teams, systems, and customer relationships. Both leadership teams will remain actively involved in the business, notes the release.