Aldi acquisition of Southeastern Grocers moves forward with divestiture of Fresco y Más

Southeastern Grocers Inc. has completed its divestiture of Fresco y Más to Fresco Retail Group, LLC, the company announced Thursday. 

Southeastern continues ownership and operation of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores. 

The divestiture is part of the acquisition deal announced in August that would entail discount grocer Aldi acquiring Southeastern Grocers’ some 400 Winn-Dixie and Harvey Supermarket stores.

As part of the deal, Aldi will acquire all outstanding Southeastern Grocers stock in an all-cash transaction, the grocer said in a press release. 

“The successful sale of Fresco y Más marks an important milestone on our path forward,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “As we continue to lead our Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie stores, we remain focused on being the most preferred grocer in the neighborhood and delivering an exceptional grocery shopping experience complete with the quality, service and value our customers and communities have come to expect.”

Aldi’s acquisition of Southeastern Grocers is expected to be completed within the first half of 2024. The Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores, primarily located in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida, will continue to operate under their current banners until the deal is complete. 

“Aldi has a strong track record of opening and remodeling stores across the country each year, so we’re confident we can make this a smooth transition. In the early days, there won’t be any immediate changes and Aldi will remain focused on doing what we do best: delivering great products at the lowest possible prices,” Aldi CEO Jason Hart told Supermarket News in late August. 

The acquisition of Southeastern Grocers is just part of Aldi’s rapid expansion in the U.S. market. In 2023, the discount grocer opened stores across the country and its 26th distribution center. The company said last year that it planned to open as many as 120 stores.

Aldi has opened four stores this year in Illinois, California, Florida, and Arkansas.

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