Ringing In The New Part II

Rumors began in early September 2001, Royal Ahold, parent company of U.S. Foodservice in Columbia, Maryland made an offer to acquire The Alliant Exchange, parent company of Alliant Foodservice.

In late November a voicemail went out to all Alliant employees to change their voicemail, and pager greetings to U.S. Foodservice, the company formerly known as Alliant. As of January 1, 2002 the transition is complete.

“ U.S. Foodservice and Alliant Foodservice will remain absolutely focused on providing the highest level of service and support as we move through a well planned and thoughtful integration process” –Phil Collins, President U.S. Foodservice San Francisco

Well here we go again. US Foodservice has been offered up for sale by Royal Ahold. Ahold a Dutch grocery company has decided to divest all of their business in the states. As of this date it appears that the leading bidder for US Foodservice is Clayton, Dubilier, Rice, (CDR) the previous owners of The Alliant Exchange.

Sounds like a good thing to Territory Manager Brian Isaeff, “CDR was the company that invested in our tools and infrastructure. Under their leadership we launched AlliantLink, now www.usfood.com which is the best on-line ordering and reporting system in the foodservice business.”

”Our commitment in the past has always been to put the customer first and we intend to build on that commitment as we move forward.”- Phil Collins, President U.S. Foodservice San Francisco

Phil Collins, President of U.S. Foodservice of San Francisco (Formerly Alliant San Francisco) in his letter to Alliant customer stated “U.S. Foodservice and Alliant Foodservice will remain absolutely focused on providing the highest level of service and support as we move through a well planned and thoughtful integration process. Our commitment in the past has always been to put the customer first and we intend to build on that commitment as we move forward.”

Stay tuned for the next incarnation of US Foodservice coming to a restaurant near you. Be assured they will retain the same local leadership, commitment to quality and service, competitive pricing, and cutting edge technology. Who knows if the name will change?