Douglas Cos. Acquires Convenience Store Services

CONWAY and CARTHAGE, Mo. – Douglas Cos. acquired fellow convenience store distributor Tri-Com Inc., dba Convenience Store Services (CSS). With this acquisition, Douglas now services more than 800 accounts in six states: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.

The deal was completed March 31, according to a report by The Log Cabin Democrat. Conway, Mo-based Douglas Cos. intends to continue operating the CSS operation from its existing location in Carthage, Mo., but its name has been changed to Douglas Companies-FourStates Division.

“We are extremely excited about the acquisition of CSS,” Douglas Cos.’ President and CEO Steve Douglas and Chief Operating Officer Susie Douglas Munson said in a joint statement. “With the close proximity of CSS to our region, this acquisition presents Douglas Companies with an excellent opportunity to increase our footprint in the Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma markets."

CSS has been a privately owned convenience store distributor since 1988, servicing southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas, northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas.

"CSS has done an outstanding job in customer service with their management team and employees. We are privileged to have these individuals join the Douglas team," the statement continued. "Our companies’ shared culture of values, commitment to customer service and common service area make this business combination a great fit.”

Douglas Cos. was established in 1973 and provides wholesale distribution of cigarettes, tobacco products, candy, snacks, convenience groceries, beverages, health and beauty aids, general merchandise, foodservice products and beverage programs.

By purchasing CSS, Douglas Cos. is expected to increase its annual revenues by approximately $70 million, pushing its annual sales to more than $230 million, according to the news outlet.