Associated and Peach State Integrated Technologies Inc. announced that they have reached a definitive agreement for Associated to acquire Peach State. Under the agreement, Peach State will operate as a subsidiary of Associated. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014. Peach State, founded in 1975 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, is a leader in providing supply chain consulting, engineering, and automated material handling solutions that enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to get their products to market quickly, efficiently and profitably. “As we look toward the future we are committed to developing new and innovative methods to provide value to our customers. We are confident that the additional competencies of Peach State will enable us to further improve the flexibility and diversity of solutions we are able offer our customers. We have made the commitment to transform from the material handling company of the past to the supply chain solution provider of the future”, said Michael Romano, President/CEO of Associated. “This represents a significant step in that direction. We have always had great respect for Peach State and their expertise in providing game-changing supply chain solutions that are helping some of the world’s fastest growing companies.” “We are very excited to enter into this relationship with Associated and believe it will enable us to continue to grow our presence in North America and will strengthen our ability to provide exceptional solutions and service to our great customers,” said James R. Bowes Jr., President of Peach State. “Our combined size, financial strength, experienced team and complementary services create one of the largest, most capable supply chain solutions providers in North America.”

Peach State will continue to operate under their name and brand identity with the same leadership and organizational structure including current President James R. Bowes Jr.
The merger will make the combined organization one of the largest supply chain solution providers in North American in both size and breadth of solution offerings.