Fechtel to Sell Operating Assets to KEG 1 Missouri

Fechtel Beverage & Sales Inc., Jefferson City, Mo., agreed to sell its operating assets to KEG 1 Missouri, a St. Louis-based beverage distributor with operations in Iowa, Colorado, Texas and Kentucky. Terms weren't disclosed.

Andy Fechtel, sales manager and brand specialist, said it is getting harder to compete with larger companies to secure rights to carry major brands.

The Fechel family wasn't looking to sell, but KEG 1's founders, family friends of the Fechtels, presented them with an "unsolicited offer."

Because KEG 1 is acquiring assets and not the comany itself, they won't automatically become KEG 1 emplyees, but will have to apply for their jobs again. It's not certain KEG 1 will maintain a presence in Jefferson City or will move the operation to St. Louis, some 214 minutes away.