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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):
FEBRUARY 2, 2000
MARKETING SPECIALISTS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 0-24667 04-341183
(State or other (Commission (IRS employer
jurisdiction of file number) identification no.)
incorporation or
organization)
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
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Merkert American Corporation
490 Turnpike Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
(Former name and address)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
On February 2, 2000, the Registrant issued a press release announcing
the realignment of its senior management in order to enhance its ability to
respond to the changing needs of manufacturers it represents to retailers. 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 Exhibits are filed herewith:
99.1 Press Release issued by the Registrant on February 2,
2000 regarding the realignment of its senior
management.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
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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/ TIMOTHY M. BYRD
-----------------------------------
Timothy M. Byrd
Chief Financial Officer
Date: February 3, 2000
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EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------- -----------
<S> <C>
99.1* Press Release issued by the Registrant on February 2,
2000 regarding the realignment of its senior
management.
</TABLE>
* filed herewith
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EXHIBIT 99.1
[MARKETING SPECIALISTS LOGO]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 2, 2000
CONTACTS
- --------
GERALD LEONARD, PRESIDENT & RANDALL OXFORD, MEDIA RELATION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 972.349.6580
781.828.4800
MARKETING SPECIALISTS ANNOUNCES
MANAGEMENT REALIGNMENT
NEW ORGANIZATION WILL ENABLE COMPANY TO BETTER SERVE
NEEDS OF MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS
DALLAS, TX... FEBRUARY 2, 2000 - Marketing Specialists Corporation
(Nasdaq/NMS:MKSP), one of the nation's leading food brokers, today announced a
realignment of senior management that will enhance the company's ability to
respond to the changing needs of manufacturers the Company represents to
retailers across the nation.
Bruce Butler, most recently chief operating officer, will serve as
president of brand development. In his new position, Mr. Butler will head the
Company's team of national business development managers who oversee the
growing number of manufacturers whom Marketing Specialists represents on a
national basis. The Company's vice president of meat/deli also will report to
Mr. Butler. After launching his career in 1975 in the Detroit area, Mr. Butler
came to Marketing Specialists in 1991 and has held several management
positions.
Glenn Gillam, formerly president of the Company's Northern division,
has been named president of broker operations. In his new position, Mr. Gillam
will have fiscal and operational responsibilities for the entire supermarket
trade channel. In addition, division presidents and vice presidents of health
and beauty care/general merchandise, confection/convenience, and retail will
report to Mr. Gillam. After starting his career with Richardson-Vick in 1973,
Mr. Gillam held various positions at No-Nonsense Fashions until 1980, when he
entered the brokerage business.
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He joined Merkert Enterprises (now Marketing Specialists) in 1983 and has held
numerous sales and management positions.
Robin Schofield will retain the title of president of channel
marketing, responsible for managing the rapidly growing "channel" trade
classes, including specialty foods. Mr. Schofield began his career in 1975 with
Standard Brands/Nabisco. Since joining Marketing Specialists in 1992, he has
held several management positions and is credited with developing the Company's
successful mass merchandiser division.
Announcing the management realignment, Marketing Specialists President
and Chief Executive Officer Gerald Leonard stated, "Everything we do at
Marketing Specialists is geared toward better representing the manufacturers
and retailers across the country with whom we partner. The continuing
consolidation among manufacturers and retailers, as well as rapidly changing
marketplace dynamics, dictate a streamlined organization that can respond
quickly, mobilizing the resources and market strategies that will build sales
volume and enhance brand equity for the products we represent.
"The changes we announced today indicate our willingness to continue
to mold our organization around the needs of our business partners," added Mr.
Leonard. "Having completed several strategic acquisitions over the past two
years that enable us to offer manufacturers national representation, Marketing
Specialists will continue to focus on developing `go-to-market' strategies that
provide our business partners with decisive, competitive advantages."
Marketing Specialists (f/k/a Merkert American Corporation) provides
outsourced sales, marketing and merchandising services to manufacturers of food
and other consumer products. With some 7,000 associates located in 65 offices
throughout the nation, Marketing Specialists is one of the two largest food
brokers in the United States.
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This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Reliance should not be placed on
forward-looking statements because they involve unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond the control of Marketing
Specialists. Actual events, performance and results could differ materially
from the anticipated events, performance or results expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. The factors which may cause such differences
include, among other things, Marketing Specialists' ability to consummate any
of the transactions contemplated by the letters of intent to which Marketing
Specialists is a party; Marketing Specialists' ability to successfully
integrate any future and past acquisitions; principal realignment as a result
of the completed Richmont merger; the competitive environment; and general
economic conditions. For further information, please refer to the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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