Sara Lee Acquires Wechsler Coffee

Sara Lee Corp. (Chicago) has acquired Wechsler Coffee Corp. (Moonachie, NJ). With annual revenues of more than $110 million, privately held Wechsler Coffee markets regular and gourmet coffee, tea, cappuccino, and other beverages to foodservice companies, convenience stores and other customers throughout the U.S.. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1903, Wechsler Coffee employs approximately 225 people, primarily at its coffee roasting facility in Moonachie. Wechsler's products are marketed under a variety of labels including its own brand name.

"The acquisition of Wechsler Coffee further strengthens Sara Lee's national presence in the foodservice coffee business," said Steven McMillan, president and COO of Sara Lee. "The acquisition will expand our portfolio of foodservice coffee offerings and increase our geographic coverage, particularly in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States."

Wechsler Coffee will be managed by Superior Coffee, a foodservice coffee supplier serving independent restaurants and regional and national chains, hotels, hospitals and universities. Superior Coffee is managed by Sara Lee/DE, the Netherlands-based subsidiary of Sara Lee responsible for its coffee and tea, and household and body care lines of business.