BJ’s Wholesale Club enhances supply chain with acquisition
BJ’s Wholesale Club is strengthening its supply chain operations by acquiring a long-time partner.
The membership warehouse club retailer has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets and operations of four refrigerated distribution centers and the related private transportation fleet from Burris Logistics. The transaction will allow BJ’s to bring its end-to-end perishable supply chain in-house. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“For more than 20 years, we have enjoyed a true partnership with the Burris Logistics team as we distribute the freshest perishable products to clubs throughout our chain,” said Bob Eddy, president and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “As we continue to accelerate our new club growth, broaden our footprint, and expand our fresh food offerings, we are excited to insource these capabilities to support our future growth.”
BJ’s has opened three locations to date in January. The company plans to open approximately 10 new clubs in 2022.
The proposed acquisition includes four perishable goods distribution centers (Rocky Hill, Conn., Orlando, Fla.; Elkton, Md.; Independence, Ky.), the personnel of the facilities, the associated real property and the capital assets necessary for operations.
Burris Logistics is a 90-year-old family business that provides temperature-controlled distribution and logistics services to clients across the United States. For decades, Burris Logistics has partnered with BJ’s to support the daily supply chain operations for BJ’s perishable business.
“Burris Logistics has been proud to partner with BJ’s on its growth and transformation over the last several years,” said Donnie Burris, CEO, Burris Logistics. “This acquisition represents the next chapter in Burris Logistics’ evolution and presents amazing opportunities for both BJ’s and the team members at these distribution centers.”
“We look forward to welcoming all of the talented Burris Logistics team members who have supported our business to the BJ’s supply chain team,” said Jeff Desroches, executive VP and chief operations officer, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “The addition of these four facilities and the private fleet is part of a larger strategy to expand and scale efficient supply chain capabilities, positioning BJ’s for continued growth while delivering the best quality and freshest products to our members.”
This acquisition, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is subject to regulatory approval and traditional closing processes and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.
Goodwin Proctor served as legal advisor to BJ’s Wholesale Club. Venable served as legal advisor to Burris Logistics and its owners.
Headquartered in Westborough, Mass,, BJ's Wholesale Club is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 225 clubs and 156 BJ's Gas locations in 17 states.
Established in 1925, Burris Logistics operates an expanding network of temperature-controlled warehousing and distribution centers from Maine to Florida and as far west as Oklahoma. This fifth-generation family-owned enterprise provides logistics, transportation, and supply chain solutions, coast to coast, through its Brands: Burris Logistics (E-commerce fulfillment, distribution, warehousing, Honor Foods (a redistributor of frozen, refrigerated and dry foodservice products), and Trinity Logistics (a global freight solutions provider).