SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
October 16, 2000

Marketing Specialists Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation or
organization)

0-24667
(Commission
file number)

04-3411833
(IRS employer
identification no.)

17855 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75287
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(972) 349-6200
__________________________________________

Merkert American Corporation
490 Turnpike Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
(Former name and address)

Item 5.

Other Events

          On October 16, 2000, the Registrant issued a press release announcing preliminary third quarter financials. The Registrant noted that it expected net revenues for the third quarter to be lower than anticipated, resulting in increased net losses and lower earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Registrant attributed the increased net losses and lower earnings to restructuring charges primarily associated with the acquisition of The Sales Force Companies in April 2000 and non-recurring charges associated with providing additional reserves for certain receivables related to the continuing integration of business processes and to provide for a change in the accounting estimate for reserves of overdue receivables. The Registrant addressed other developments during the third quarter, including the ongoing discussions with the Registrant's banking group regarding financing and covenant issues, as well as the Board of Directors' consideration of the tender offer by Richmont Capital Partners I, L.P., in June, to purchase the Registrant's outstanding shares of stock. A copy of this press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.

Item 7.

Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits

(c)

Exhibits

The following Exhibit is filed herewith:

99.1

Press Release issued by the Registrant on October 16, 2000 announcing preliminary results for the third quarter of 2000, with increased net losses and lower EBITDA for the period.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

SIGNATURE

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

MARKETING SPECIALISTS CORPORATION

By:

/s/ Terry L. Crump                             
Terry L. Crump
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: October 18, 2000

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.      

Description

99.1*

Press Release issued by the Registrant on October 16, 2000 announcing preliminary results for the third quarter of 2000, with increased net losses and lower EBITDA for the period.

* filed herewith