Four companies –Catelli Brothers,Delimax Veal Inc.,NRV, andSpecialty Meats Inc. – said they have merged to become one of the nation's largest vertically integrated veal organizations. As a result of the merger, officials say they will be able to oversee all phases of production and supply.

Officials said the merger is effective immediately, although the new venture did not have an immediate name.

“We’re excited to be merging with companies who share our longstanding dedication to quality and service,” said Tony Catelli, Catelli Brothers president and CEO.  “They, like us, are family-oriented businesses and have worked hard to earn a reputation for producing the highest-quality products using industry-leading food safety and traceability standards.”

The new company, now one of the largest veal and lamb purveyors in the country, will serve retail and foodservice industries with such brands as Catelli Brothers, Catelli Brothers Italian Bistro, Lido Gourmet, Chef’s Reserve, and Summit Ridge. All the merging companies will continue to operate independently under their existing corporate structures and brand names but through their affiliation these brands will now have national as well as regional distribution capabilities.  

“This merger will create a stronger organization that allows us to expand products and services, both regionally and nationally, better positioning us for the future,” said Jonathan Amidei, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Specialty Meats.  “Our customers will still receive the same attentive service and high-quality products they’ve come to expect.”

Catelli Brothers is located in Collingswood, N.J. Specialty Meats is located in Vernon, Calif.

“This merger will help ensure a vibrant market for our feed customers and will position us to extend the market for milk-fed calves,” added Dale Bakke, general manager, NRV.  “We are looking forward to working with our new partners to continue to evolve and grow our business.”

NRV and Delimax are located in Ixonia, Wis.

“Our farms add supply strength to this new company which we fully expect will become an increasingly important factor for the national retail and food service marketplace,” said Robert Wynands, president, Delimax Veal.