Feb 6, 2008 10:30 AM

U.S. Foodservice, the second-largest broadline foodservice distributor in the United States, has entered into an agreement with Clark National Inc. to acquire certain key operating assets of Clark’s South Bend IN broadline foodservice distribution business. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The decision to divest our South Bend division is consistent with our niche strategy and enables us to focus exclusively on our packaging/jan-san and specialty foodservice businesses across the U.S.” said Donald D. Hindman, Clark’s president and chief executive officer. “We recently identified specific businesses where we can add the most value for our customers and differentiate ourselves from traditional broadlines. South Bend was our only true broadline house, and it did not fit into our niche strategy, so we are exiting.”

U.S. Foodservice said the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2008. U.S. Foodservice plans to service the former Clark customers from its existing distribution locations in Indianapolis IN and Bensenville IL.