Five Star Breaktime Solutions has acquired Weber Custom Vending, expanding its vending and micro market operations across the Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, markets.

The transaction adds more than 400 vending machines at over 200 customer locations. It also brings five routes and 12 breakroom markets into Five Star’s Ohio operations.

Kevin Posey, Five Star’s director of mergers and acquisitions, said that Weber’s location, customer mix and primary service model contributed to the decision. 

“It is always a mix, and it’s rarely the same with each,” Posey told VendingMarketWatch.com. “Here, geography, customer type and primary service model played roles.”

Founded in 2014, Weber serves health care facilities, senior living communities and other businesses throughout southwest Ohio. Its service territory includes Cincinnati, Dayton, West Chester, Hamilton and surrounding communities.

Posey said Five Star is already experiencing organic growth in Cincinnati and Dayton. The acquisition builds on that momentum by increasing the number of locations the company serves in the region.

“We have been successfully growing organically at a solid rate over the past 3 or so years in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas. This accelerates that growth by adding more service locations to our base in the area,” Posey said.

Five Star plans to integrate Weber’s business into its existing operations in Batavia and Beavercreek, Ohio. The company said the integration is intended to maintain reliable service during the transition.

Preserving local customer relationships is an important part of Five Star’s acquisition process, Posey said, though he didn’t comment on the specifics of this latest acquisition..

“The relationships are kept local,” Posey said. “With most acquisitions, the route merchandisers who service customers every day join Five Star and continue to service many of the same customers post-acquisition. That ensures continuity to the client experience,” he said.

Local branch service and client relationship teams then assume responsibility for managing those accounts. Posey said sellers also typically help support the transition.

Beyond traditional vending, Five Star sees continued growth opportunities in micro markets and improved consumer experiences — services Five Star offers throughout the Southeast.

“We continue to see great growth potential in micro markets and the consumer experience. Also, foodservice and corporate cafes are in high demand and growing for us. Smart coolers offer a nice upgrade from traditional vending that bridges the gap to markets. Lastly, custom breakroom experiences in snacks, coffee and pantry are showing growth potential,” Posey said.

The Weber acquisition supports Five Star’s effort to expand the range and density of its convenience services operations throughout the Ohio Valley.

Five Star Breaktime Solutions strategically expands its service footprint throughout the Southeast by securing new clients and business acquisitions.