Eric Boelter, President of the Boelter Companies, Inc., announced that the Boelter Companies, Inc. has expanded its focus to support the Southeast foodservice market by purchasing Macon, Georgia based Direct South, Inc.

Direct South, Inc. was founded in 1960 as Macon Restaurant Supply Company. The company has grown into a highly respected organization serving the foodservice industry throughout the Southeast. In 2012, the company merged with Citisco Food Service Equipment, combining Direct South’s strong contract and project management expertise with Citisco’s robust government sales presence.

"I'm very excited to welcome the Direct South and Citisco team into the Boelter family,” Eric Boelter said. “Our two companies’ cultures will blend well together. This acquisition not only expands Boelter's reach firmly into the Southeast, but also extends our capabilities with the government, and installation and service."

The Boelter Companies, Inc. is one of the leading foodservice design, equipment and supply dealers in the country. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Boelter is a family owned and operated business that began in 1929. It currently has offices in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, California, and Maryland and serves customers throughout the country.

Nick Adams, President of Direct South stated, “I am thrilled and delighted that we are becoming part of the Boelter family, and am confident the results of this acquisition will positively impact our employees, manufacturers, manufacturer's reps, and most importantly, our customers. I am honored to be a part of such a well-­‐respected and ever growing organization and believe that together we can provide a broader range of products and services at a much higher level to the Southeast than we could have ever imagined on our own.”