Chicagoland Equipment & Supply enters C-store market via acquisition

CHICAGO – Chicagoland Equipment & Supply (CES), a supplier of equipment, materials and services to the food industry, recently entered the convenience market with the acquisition of United Fast Food & Beverage Service (UFFB) .

The acquisition of UFFB, a supplier of equipment and services for convenience stores and fast food restaurants, is part of CES’ strategy to grow and become the number one seller of equipment, supplies and services to the food industry, the company said. CES adds the convenience store market to its existing expertise in the grocery, food processing and restaurant sectors. Together, CES and UFFB will expand offerings to existing customers, enabling them to become a single supplier of equipment and services.

“United Fast Food & Beverage has an excellent reputation for quality service among convenience stores,” said Chicago-based CES CEO Tyler Jeffrey. “Their service network of nearly 20 technicians and their impressive equipment lines are a great addition to CES. We are honored to welcome the UFFB into our family at CES.

The combination creates a comprehensive line of equipment that now includes beverage and ice machines to the already extensive equipment lines offered by CES, Jeffrey added. “Additionally, our service network now includes nearly 40 technicians in the upper Midwest who can service a growing range of equipment,” he said.

“We are very pleased for the employees of UFFB as this combination with CES provides the next phase of growth for our business,” said Al Kollar, president of UFFB, Elk Grove Village, Ill. “CES’ family culture and emphasis on quality service is a perfect match for what we’ve built here at United Food and Beverage.

Elliot Wheeler, Chief Investment Officer of Cooper Management LLC, owner of CES, said, “We remain committed to growing the business to create a special community for customers, suppliers and most importantly, our talented employees. The acquisition of UFFB is in line with this strategy and our long-term vision.

Founded in 2000 and based in Chicago, CES provides equipment, supplies and services to the food industry throughout the Upper Midwest. In 2018, CES partnered with Cooper Management to accelerate growth.

Cooper Management is focused on providing an ongoing source of capital to build businesses in partnership with best-in-class management teams. For over 40 years, the family has facilitated the growth of businesses in a variety of industries. In addition to its core business building strategy, Cooper Management deploys capital across a wide range of asset classes.

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