Deal makes Fuhrer Co. top-shelf beer distributor

Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Co. is expected to complete the acquisition of Mark Thompson Inc. today, a deal that makes the Pittsburgh-based beer distribution company the largest beer wholesaler in the state, and the 15th largest in the nation.

The acquisition of Mark Thompson Inc., located in North Union Township, Fayette County, expands Fuhrer's beer distribution territory into all of Fayette and Greene counties. The deal was initially announced in January. Terms were not disclosed.

Inventory from Thompson's operation will be moved to Fuhrer's warehouse, on the South Side, according to Frank Fuhrer Jr., chairman of the private, family-run business that employs about 250 people.

"I just bought the business, not the building. We're going to move inventory to Pittsburgh and operate out of the South Side warehouse," Fuhrer said.

Mark Thompson Inc. was a "master" distributor for St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, the nation's largest brewer. As a master distributor, every case of Anheuser-Busch product sold by licensed beer distributors in Thompson's territory had to be bought from Mark Thompson Inc. Owner Mark Thompson Jr. could not be reached for comment.

Fuhrer said the company is building a second warehouse, which will house Anheuser-Busch product exclusively. In November, Fuhrer broadened the company's Anheuser-Busch reach by acquiring Westmoreland Distributing — a deal that gave Fuhrer access to a territory that includes all of Westmoreland County, with the exception of New Kensington, along with all of Armstrong and Indiana counties and parts of Jefferson and Cambria counties.

Eight of 10 unionized workers at Mark Thompson Inc. have accepted job offers at Fuhrer's operations in Pittsburgh, according to Vito Dragone Jr., secretary-treasurer of Uniontown-based Teamsters Local 491. He said that under an agreement, probationary periods for the eight transfers will be waived and none will lose any vacation time accrued during their employment with Thompson.

"I'm sorry to lose the guys; they were a good bunch and the company was a good one to work for," said Dragone. He said hourly workers at Fuhrer Wholesale are represented by Teamsters Local 250.

Fuhrer Jr. said the two acquisitions coupled with his Coors, Corona and Yuengling beer brands will enable the company to sell about 14 million cases annually. "We're always looking (for deals), but this might be it for a while," he said.