GRAND RAPIDS (WKZO) -- Two family-owned West Michigan beverage distributors are merging.  Kent Beverage of Wyoming and B&B Beer Distributing of Grand Rapids have formed a joint venture called Alliance Beverage Distributing.

The merger creates the area's largest complete beverage wholesaler.  Combined, the new Alliance will have more than 300 employees.

In a statement, the company said "Alliance expects to maintain its current workforce and retain the existing management team."