SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): ~~February~~March 72, 2001

Marketing Specialists Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation or
organization)

0-24667

(Commission
file number)

04-3411833

(IRS employer
identification no.)

17855 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 200
Dallas, Texas 75287

(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(972) 349-6200

~~_________________________________~~__________________________________________

Merkert American Corporation
490 Turnpike Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
(Former name and address)

Item 5. Other Events

Item 5.	Other Events
On March 2, 2001, the Registrant issued a press release announcing that it is adding a new In-Source Specialists Division, which will serve as an arm of its existing Retail Division. Managed by Ken Gomez, a 15-year veteran of the Registrant's Retail Division, the new Division will provide manufacturers and retailers with the additional manpower to complete projects that exceed the time frame of standard category management. A copy of this press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.
Item 7.	Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
	(c) Exhibits
	The following Exhibits are filed herewith:
		99.1	Press Release issued by the Registrant on March 2, 2001 announcing that it is adding a new In-Source Specialists Division, which will serve as an arm of its existing Retail Division. Managed by Ken Gomez, a 15-year veteran of the Registrant's Retail Division, the new Division will provide manufacturers and retailers with the additional manpower to complete projects that exceed the time frame of standard category management.

On[SIGNATURE ~~February~~PAGE 7,TO 2001, the Registrant issued a press release announcing that it is expanding its services to include a new Retail Drug Division that will enhance its focus on servicing the non-grocery sector. A copy of this press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto.FOLLOW]

Item 7.   Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
               (c)     Exhibits
                        The following Exhibits are filed herewith:
                        99.1 Press Release issued by the Registrant on February 7, 2001                                     announcing that it is expanding its services to include a new                                     Retail Drug Division that will enhance its focus on servicing                                     the non-grocery sector.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

MARKETING SPECIALISTS CORPORATION By: TIMOTHY M. BYRD ~~___________________________________~~____________________________________ Timothy M. Byrd Chief Financial Officer

Date: ~~February~~ 9March 5, 2001

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	~~Description~~	Description
99.1*	Press Release issued by the Registrant on February 7, 2001 announcing that it is expanding its services to include a new Retail Drug Division that will enhance its focus on servicing the non-grocery sector.	Press Release issued by the Registrant on March 2, 2001 announcing that it is adding a new In-Source Specialists Division, which will serve as an arm of its existing Retail Division. Managed by Ken Gomez, a 15-year veteran of the Registrant's Retail Division, the new Division will provide manufacturers and retailers with the additional manpower to complete projects that exceed the time frame of standard category management.

* filed herewith

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