Kennedy Contractors Announces Merger With Regional Contractor

January 23, 2008

Springfield, Mo. - Springfield-based Kennedy Contractors, Inc. has merged with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. of Columbia. The merger became official this month for the two construction firms whose Springfield office will offer site construction and development services as well as excavation, utility and road construction. The new firm will be known as Kennedy ESS Contractors.

"We've been interested in expanding our presence to the Springfield market for some time," said Keith Bennett, chief financial officer of Emery Sapp & Sons. "This is a merger of strengths as we blend Kennedy's strong reputation for quality workmanship with Emery Sapp & Sons' more diversified capabilities."

Kennedy Contractors' recent work includes site construction for the Springfield-Branson National Airport, site and underground utilities construction for the Missouri National Guard facility, and site construction for Branson Intermediate School.

"After a few conversations, we realized our companies share similar business philosophies about how we treat our customers and employees," said Cliff Kennedy, who owned Kennedy Contractors with wife Kathy Kennedy. Added Kathy: "That's what really brought our deal together - our commitment to customer satisfaction and our value for our employee family."

Emery Sapp & Sons recently completed reconstruction of the U.S. Highway 65/Interstate 44 interchange in Springfield, and is currently working on two separate Missouri Department of Transportation projects that will add two lanes to U.S. Highway 65 for approximately 25 miles north of I-44. Emery Sapp & Sons Inc, in addition to being well known for highway and bridge construction, is also a major contractor for complete site development work for residential and commercial private developments.

About

Kennedy Contractors Inc., was formed in 1981 by Cliff Kennedy and Darrell Smith as Smith & Kennedy. In 1994, Kathy Kennedy purchased the majority interest in the firm, which became Kennedy Contractors. The firm has an estimated 65 employees and specializes in site preparation, utilities, street and road work, rock excavation, concrete piers and electrical substations.

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., was formed in 1972. In 1999, the firm became employee-owned and today has more than 500 employees serving the mid-west region. The company offers a diverse range of services including residential and commercial site construction, sewer and water line construction, paving, excavating and road construction.

Return to Company News