Jan 28, 2005 9:00 AM, from staff and wire reports

Fort Worth TX-based Ben E Keith Co, the nation's ninth-largest foodservice distributor, has acquired F&E Food Service, based in Wichita KS. Established in 1913, family-owned F&E distributes food to restaurants, nursing homes, and other institutions. Terms of this transaction were undisclosed.

With annual sales of around $1 billion, Ben E Keith has six distribution centers serving 10 states in the south central United States.

The 117 employees of F&E have been offered jobs at Ben E Keith, though these positions might not be in Wichita.