NORTHERN CAMBRIA - A longtime Northern Cambria business is changing hands, but customers won't notice a difference.
Roaring Spring Water is in the process of acquiring Valenty Bottled Water Inc. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of June, said Dan Hoover, Roaring Spring Water president.
Valenty has served as a distributor for Roaring Spring Water for several years.
"This is a seamless transaction, and this will push our marketing out further. We view it as a positive, long-term move," Hoover said. "His employees will continue to work for us. We will lease their facility in Northern Cambria to serve the people from the same facility. The customers won't notice any difference. We will be using the same employees and the same trucks."
The transaction will enable Roaring Spring Water to expand its distribution of bottled water and coffee service into Cambria, Somerset, Indiana and Clearfield counties, Hoover said.
Salvatore "Sam" Valenty had bought his father's produce business in 1954, added a frozen food and warehousing business in 1963 and began selling ice in 1974. He began the bottled water business in 1983.
He and Hoover became good friends over the years.
Valenty and Hoover had been discussing the possible sale for several months.
"When it came time to sell, I called Dan," Valenty said in a statement. "We broke bread together as we did many times over the past years and closed the deal."
Eventually the name will be changed to Roaring Spring Valenty Bottled Water, Hoover said.
Meanwhile, plans call for Valenty to work part time for Roaring Spring Water the next five years, assisting with public and community relations.
"We are excited to introduce you to additional coffee and water products you will be able to use in your homes and at your businesses," Valenty said in a letter to customers.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.
