NEW YORK — Arlon Group, a food and agriculture investment firm based in New York, announced it has acquired The Coastal Companies, Savage, Md.
Established in 1992 as Coastal Sunbelt Produce, the acquired company operates a fleet of 175 trucks and is a leading distributor and processor of fresh produce and dairy products in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The company delivers product daily to more than 2,000 customers across six states along the East coast and in Washington.
“Coastal is the leading provider in its region, with a focus on high-quality products and excellent customer service,” said Chris Allen, an Arlon principal. “The company’s high-caliber, dedicated management team, led by John Corso (president and chief executive officer), is thoughtful, driven and dedicated to growing and expanding the business.”
Arlon said Coastal’s senior management team will continue to lead the business, headed by Mr. Corso; Ross Foca, president of East Coast Fresh; Bob Lahmann, chief financial officer; and Larry Brown, executive vice-president, sales and purchasing. David Tanner, Chris Allen and Peter Webel from Arlon Group and Jay Pack, a longtime produce industry executive, have joined the company’s board of directors.
“We have grown because we take care of our customers, we take care of our people, and we invest in our business,” Mr. Corso said. “We are excited to be partnering with the team at Arlon. Arlon Group brings significant fresh food industry experience to our company. Their team shares our vision, our values and is committed to helping us grow.”
