Dec 14, 2007 8:57 AM

Coastal Sunbelt Produce and L&M Produce are joining forces to become a leading foodservice distributor of fresh produce in the Mid-Atlantic. The combined entity will serve fine-dining restaurants, hotels, chains, independents, institutional dining, and foodservice establishments in that area.

Coastal and its investor group led by its senior management team and MCG Capital Corp acquired L&M from its founders James McWhorter and Herb Lichtenstein. Both men will be named to senior management roles in the joint company.

L&M will continue to operate in its Jessup MD facility until its operations are fully transitioned to Coastal’s 165,000-square-foot facility five miles south in Savage MD. Once combined, the new company will go to market exclusively under the Coastal Sunbelt Produce banner.

In association with the transition to Savage, certain management and administrative roles may be restructured. Sales representatives, customer service staff, and drivers at both companies will not be affected.