Aldi making 400-store acquisition
Aldi is making a big Southeast-focused acquisition.
The fast-growing discounter grocer has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harvey Supermarket from Southeastern Grocers as part of a larger divestiture by Southeastern. The acquisition includes approximately 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
“Like Aldi, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast and we look forward to serving them in the years to come,” said Aldi CEO Jason Hart. “The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States, including plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end.”
Aldi plans to evaluate which Harveys and Winn-Dixie locations will be converted to the Aldi format.
“For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores,” Hart said.
Aldi first established its presence in the Southeast in the mid-1990s and since has invested $2.5 billion in the region. Most recently, the company has been expanding its roots in the area, opening a regional headquarters and distribution center (its 26th) in Loxley, Ala. It plans to open 20 new Aldi stores in the area by the end of the year
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
With about 2,200 stores in 38 states, Batavia, Ill.-based Aldi U.S. employs 45,000-plus associates.
Fresco y Más
In related news, Southeastern Grocers has agreed to divest its Fresco y Más operations, which include 28 stores and four pharmacies, to the Fresco Retail Group, LLC investment group. That sale is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2024 with all stores and pharmacies in the Fresco y Más banner to continue operating as they are presently.
“Our successful transformational journey has created a unique opportunity with leading partners who share our vision and common commitments to creating value for their customers," said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO, Southeastern Grocers. "We believe these next steps will fuel a phenomenal experience for our customers, new opportunities for our associates and increased value for our shareholders. As the sales processes proceed, we’ll stay acutely focused upon delivering the exceptional quality, service and value that our customers and communities have come to expect from us.”