Nash Finch Enters Into $1.3B Merger with Spartan Stores

Leading regional grocery distributor and retailer Spartan Stores and one of the leading food distribution companies in the U.S., Nash Finch Company, announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spartan Stores and Minneapolis-based Nash Finch will combine in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including existing net debt at each company. Under the terms of the transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Nash Finch shareholders will receive a fixed ratio of 1.20 shares of Spartan Stores common stock for each share of Nash Finch common stock they own. Upon closing, which is expected by the end of calendar year 2013, Spartan Stores shareholders will own approximately 57.7% of the equity of the combined company and Nash Finch shareholders will own approximately 42.3%. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, including the approval of Spartan Stores and Nash Finch shareholders. The combined company, with pro forma annual sales of approximately $7.5 billion, will have 22 distribution centers covering 37 states, 188 retail stores and will be the leading distributor to military commissaries and exchanges in the U.S., company officials say.