Boelter Cos. Buys Direct South

The Boelter Cos., the country’s fifth largest equipment and supplies dealer, has acquired Macon, Ga.-based Direct South. The acquisition expands the Milwaukee company’s reach in the Southeast region of the country. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Direct South was founded in 1960 as Macon Restaurant Supply Co. In 2012, the company merged with Citisco Food Service Equipment, combining Direct South’s contract and project management expertise with Citisco’s strong government sales presence. It has operations in Florida as well as Georgia.

“I’m very excited to welcome the Direct South and Citisco team into the Boelter family,” President Eric Boelter said. “Our two companies’ cultures will blend well together. This acquisition not only expands Boelter’s reach firmly into the Southeast, but also extends our capabilities with the government and installation and service."

Direct South President Nick Adams added, “I am thrilled and delighted that we are becoming part of the Boelter family and am confident the results of this acquisition will positively impact our employees, manufacturers, manufacturer’s reps and, most importantly, our customers.”

Boelter, a family owned and operated business founded in 1929, also has offices in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, California and Maryland. It reported sales of $239 million in 2013, ranking it fifth among FER’s Top Dealers in 2014.