Food distributor Sysco is relying on outside PR counsel in its blockbuster $8.2B acquisition of rival US Foods.
Sysco VP of corporate communications Charley Wilson told O'Dwyer's the company is partnering with Brunswick Group for the deal, which was announced Dec. 8 and has Houston-based Sysco paying $3.5B for USF and assuming $4.7B in the company's net debt.
Rosemont, Ill.-based US Foods, which is owned by private equity firms, confirmed it is also working with Brunswick. Michelee Calcagni is senior director of corporate communications for the company.
The companies, which have created a website about the transaction, said the deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2014.
Sysco had fiscal 2013 sales of $44B, while US Foods posts annual revenue around $22B.
The New York Times said the deal unites the two biggest food distributors in the country, "solidifying Sysco's position as the reigning giant in an already consolidated industry."
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