G & M Distributors, Inc., Galesburg, will acquire LRB Distributors, Inc., Dixon, announced Adam G. Vitale, G & M president.
LRB, an Anheuser-Busch (A-B) distributor, was founded in 1956 by Louis R. Berrettini and operates in nine counties in north central Illinois. It services products from A-B, Bell's Brewery, The Gambrinus Company, and several other local and craft brewers. LRB started with two brands, Budweiser and Michelob. Their original staff of six people has grown to 40 employees.
"The Berrettini, Cain, and Vitale families have been longtime friends," states G & M President Adam G. Vitale. "The relationship began between my grandfather and Paul Berrettini in the late 1950s and has continued for multiple generations. We are excited by this new opportunity and look forward to calling Dixon our second home."
The majority of employees from LRB will be retained and employed by G&M. Distribution for the combined company will originate out of both Dixon and Galesburg. "Dixon and the surrounding communities are extremely important to our business. Our goal is to continue to serve them in the best possible manner. Maintaining a facility in Dixon is part of our growth plan," stated Vitale.
Dave Cain, a shareholder and general manager, and the Berrettini Family wish to express their deep appreciation to all present and past employees that made 59 years of a successful business possible. Cain also acknowledged the role of LRB's retail customers and loyal consumers who made doing business a true joy and pleasure. "August Busch III said making friends is our business. His statement has been true throughout my entire career," stated Cain.
"This is a positive change for our team and Dixon," Cain said. "The jobs will remain in Dixon and I am confident that G&M will be involved in the local community."
G&M is a family-owned beverage distributor that was founded in 1946 by G. Louis Vitale and services a 20-county region in