Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A 180-plus-year-old company that started in, and has been based in, Springfield is now in the hands of a Chicago-based company that, like it, has worldwide operations.

According to a news release, Ali Group announced Thursday it has completed the acquisition of BUNN Commercial LP, know by many as BUNN-o-Matic.  Terms of the deal were not announced.

BUNN started by owning grocery stores in 1870, transitioning to making beverage equipment in 1957.  It was incorporated in 1963.  It has operations around  the world, including elsewhere in the United States, along with Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, and the United Kingdom.  The Ali Group is based in Chicago and refers to itself as “the world’s largest group in the foodservice equipment industry, with 80 manufacturing facilities in 16 countries.

“The acquisition of BUNN marks an important step in strengthening Ali Group’s leadership in the global coffee and beverage equipment sector and advancing our long term growth strategy,” said Filippo Berti, Ali Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in a news release. “BUNN brings a strong heritage, a culture of innovation and a highly complementary portfolio that expands our global capabilities. Together, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to our customers and accelerate growth across key markets.”

Ali Group declined to comment on inquiries by WTAX/CapitolCityNow regarding Springfield operations and its workforce here, especially at the plant on Stevenson Drive, instead referring to its news relerase.  Attempts to contact BUNN also were unsuccessful.

Up until Thursday’s announcement, BUNN had been a family-owned company.

This story may be updated.