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QUINCY, Ill. -- Niemann Foods Inc. has reached a deal with Big River Oil Co. Inc., Hannibal, Mo., for the acquisition of Big River's 16 Pick-A-Dilly convenience stores. The deal should be completed over the next month, the companies said. NFI said that it intends on continuing to operate the stores under the Pick-A-Dilly name.

"NFI is excited to welcome the Pick-A-Dilly group into our family. Our experience in retail, and more specifically in convenience stores, has prepared us for this opportunity. Big River Oil is a strong organization and will continue to supply fuel to the Pick-A-Dilly as well as the area County Market Express Stores," said Jeremy Dyer, director of operations for NFI's Convenience Store Group.

"Our partnering with NFI allows us to focus on our core business of energy distribution while NFI is able to focus on its core business of retail. This agreement will benefit the customers and employees of both companies," added Stewart McIntyre. vice president of Big River Oil.

The 16 locations, all in Missouri, include Kirksville, Edina, Canton, West Quincy, Palmyra, Louisiana, Vandalia, Center, Kingdom City, Moberly (2) and Hannibal (5). Many of the locations will allow co-marketing efforts with area County Market Stores, increasing customer value through promotions and greater buying power.

NFI also recently completed the acquisition of a Shell One Stop c-store in Quincy, Ill. "Our recent growth demonstrates NFI's commitment to the area. As a locally owned and operated business, we are committed to our associates, our customers and the communities we serve," said Gerry Kettler, director of consumer affairs.

Quincy-based Niemann Foods is an associate owned company that operates a variety of retail formats including County Market and Save-A-lot grocery stores, Ace Hardware, Pet Supply Plus and now 28 c-stores under two banners, Pick-A-Dilly and County Market Express.