BMK buys up cosmetic distributor Rita Ann

In the US, BMK, a general merchandise distributor, has purchased
Baltimore-based Rita Ann Distributors, one of the nation's largest
cosmetics distributors, from AmerisourceBergen Corporation,
extending its presence in that sector.

BMK​ said the acquisition will complement its current business operations which includes over 30 product categories distributed to leading supermarkets and drugstores throughout the US.

The company added that Rita Ann's strong position in the distribution of cosmetics and related categories including specialty bath, hair care, and hosiery products would fit well with its broad product assortment, which, on top of cosmetics, consists of a broad range of consumer goods.

"This acquisition brings together the national reach and retailer relationships of BMK with the cosmetics expertise and complementary customer base of Rita Ann,"​ said James Allen, CEO of BMK.

Allen added that the company's aim was to make Rita Ann a leading player in cosmetics merchandising and distribution through strong buying, in-store merchanding and expertise in category management for retailers.

BMK will continue to operate Rita Ann as a stand-alone operation for the first 60-90 days to complete the integration of systems, buying, merchandising and sales. The company also said that there would be no planned changes in Rita Ann's customer programmes, and that the merging of the two companies would not affect any existing business arrangements.

BMK said that it is acquiring Rita Ann for a combination of cash and debt, but the specific terms were not disclosed.

Earlier this year, BMK received a $20 million (€13.8m) equity infusion from its controlling shareholder Sun Capital Partners to fund acquisitions and complete the consolidation of its distribution operations into a 275,000 square-foot warehouse facility in Dallas, Texas.

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