Marsh Supermarkets Inc. subsidiary acquires Martz Food Services/Carefree Catering

Business Wire, May 10, 1995

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 1995--ALLtimate/Crystal Catering, a division of Marsh Supermarkets Inc. announced the acquisition of Martz & Associates Food Services Inc. and its affiliate, Carefree Catering Inc. in an asset transaction.

Martz is comprised of three divisions: cafeteria management, vending and catering. The purchase price and terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Martz, whose 1994 sales were more than $8 million, operates cafeteria/business dining facilities at seven of the city's high profile employers, including the Indianapolis Water Company, Ameritech and Resort Condominiums International. Martz's vending division prepares and packages more than 8,000 fresh food items daily for about 150 vending machine sites. Carefree Catering, the state's second largest caterer, serves clients which include the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Deercreek Music Center and the Schnull-Rauch House.

In making the announcement, Don E. Marsh, chairman and chief executive officer of Marsh Supermarkets Inc., said, ``We're excited about having Martz/Carefree Catering join the Marsh family. We now have the opportunity of serving customers as a total food retailer/distributor by adding cafeteria management and vending to our grocery, convenience store and catering business.''

Jack Bayt, president of ALLtimate/Crystal Catering, will oversee the new food service and vending division, in addition to ALLtimate/Crystal Catering. ``This is a natural marriage for our companies since we all built our businesses on service, quality and a strong Indiana heritage,'' said Bayt. For now, the new division will operate under the Martz Food Services name with the same employees.

Bob Martz will be chairman of Martz Food Services and the new food service group. ``Our family of customers and employees will be well served by the marriage,'' said Martz. ``I'm looking forward to working with Jack Bayt and the entire Marsh team as well as devoting more time to community service projects.''

In addition to its catering division, Marsh Supermarkets Inc. owns and operates 78 Marsh and 10 LoBill supermarkets, and 181 Village Pantry convenience stores in central Indiana and western Ohio. A fourth division, Convenience Store Distributing Company, is a wholesale food and grocery merchandise company which serves over 1,300 non-affiliated stores in eight states. Marsh Supermarkets Inc. is a publicly held company traded on the NASDAQ National Market System (MARSA and MARSB).

CONTACT: Marsh Supermarkets Inc., Indianapolis

Douglas W. Dougherty, 317/594-2627