Sysco, one of the world’s largest breadline distributors, may be eyeing additional expansion abroad. In fact, it has approached major Italian seafood importer MARR in regards to a potential acquisition. The deal would, according to the news sources, give the USA company a foothold in southern Europe, as controlling interest in MARR is currently owned by Italian meat company Cremonini.
THE EXPANSION STRATEGY OF SYSCO
The Texas-based foodservice company made its first foray into the continent in 2016 with the acquisition of UK’s Brake Bros – thereby acquiring its French subsidiary Davigel. And the company recently acquired Kent Frozen Foods, increasing its presence in the British market considerably. Sources confirmed that Sysco representatives visited MARR’s headquarters in Rimini earlier in the year, but could not confirm that a deal is progressing. The acquisition of MARR would be the Texas based group’s first move into Italy.