Benzinga | Jan 4, 2022 08:12AM EST

HF Foods Group Reports Purchase Of Great Wall Group, No Terms Disclosed

HF Foods Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HFFG), a leading food distributor to Asian restaurants across the United States ("HF Foods", "HF Group" or the "Company"), announced today it has completed the acquisition of the business operations of Great Wall Seafood Supply Inc., Great Wall Restaurant Supplier Inc. and First Mart Inc. (collectively the "Great Wall Group").

The Great Wall Group is one of the largest frozen seafood suppliers servicing the Asian/Chinese restaurant market in the nation and generates combined annual revenue of approximately $170 million pre-pandemic and about $200 million assuming revenue remains steady with its most recent quarter. Specifically, the Great Wall Group has had a dominant presence in the Midwest, Southwest, and Southern regions since its inception in 1996. The Great Wall Group works with vendors globally, from regions such as China, Canada, South America, and New Zealand, with thousands of cargo containers transported annually.

The transaction, structured as an asset purchase, was completed on December 30, 2021, for mixed consideration of cash and stock.

"I am excited with the successful purchase of the Great Wall Group operations," said HF Group Chairman Russell T. Libby. "Their leadership position in the frozen seafood industry and extensive distribution network, particularly in states where HF Foods does not have a presence, complements the strengths of our existing network and supports our strategic goals of growth by acquisition and providing superior product choices to our customers."

Peter Zhang, CEO of HF Foods, added: "The acquisition doubles our distribution network to over 40 states covering approximately 80% of the United Sates (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and propels us to over a billion dollars in projected 2022 revenue. The combined entity now serves over 12,500 restaurant customers or about 30% of the nation's Asian/Chinese restaurant establishments. We will continue to solidify our market leadership position to deliver long-term shareholder value through organic growth and acquisitions such as this."

Mr. Zhang continued, "On behalf of the Company, I sincerely welcome Mr. Bo Wong and the rest of the Great Wall Group employees to our HF Group family."

Bo Wong, Founder and President of the Great Wall Group, said: "We are excited to be part of HF Foods Group. With HF's nationwide distribution network and market leadership position in the food service industry, the Asian/Chinese hospitality sector will certainly appreciate the newfound strength and expertise of HF Group to better support their needs. I am thankful for the warm welcome and I believe our employees will find this to be a fulfilling new home."