Polk Oil Merges with Local Grocer

LUFKIN, Texas -- By the end of July, Polk Oil, operator of 29 Polk's Pick It Up convenience stores, will merge with Brookshire Brothers, a 70-store grocery chain based here, reported the Lufkin Daily News.

"The Polk family is excited about the opportunity to see our company grow and continue to be part of the community where we began," Carl Ray Polk Jr., president of Polk Oil, said in a statement. "I believe this opportunity will bring substantial growth, while still allowing the Polk name to continue on."

The companies will function as separate entities, with Polk remaining president of Polk Oil after the merger, the report stated. In addition, the 360 employees of Polk Oil will become part of the more than 5,600-strong Brookshire Brothers team.

Polk Oil also supplies 24 independent dealers and owns three Subway franchisees throughout 12 counties in east Texas.

"For the past few months, leaders from Polk Oil and Brookshire Brothers have worked together diligently to plan for the integration of our two companies," Jerry Johnson, CEO of Brookshire Brothers, said in a statement. "We are now focused on implementing that plan and moving forward together to deliver exceptional service and products to our customers. On behalf of our employee owners, we welcome the employees of Polk Oil and Polk's Pick It Up Stores to the family."

Polk Oil is one of the oldest companies in Lufkin, according to the newpaper. The company began as Polk's Garage, then brought in gasoline. The family-run company relocated to the Lufkin area in the 1950s, according to the company's Web site. In March 2006, Polk Oil acquired Land O' Pines Inc., owner of the Okay Food Stores, Larelco and Mr. Payroll outlets, the report stated.

This most recent move was only finalized after Polk confirmed that Brookshire Brothers shared the same goals as its company. "The opportunity to bring Polk Oil and Brookshire Brothers together is a perfect tribute to our 70-year record of delivering outstanding customer service," added Ray Polk, chairman emeritus of Polk Oil.
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