Schnuck Markets to Acquire Seven Rockford, Ill. Hilander Stores

Schnuck Markets, Inc. Chairman and CEO Scott Schnuck announced that the family-owned company has agreed to acquire seven Hilander stores and one fuel center in Rockford, Ill. from the central division of The Kroger Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Schnuck said, "We are excited for the opportunity to serve more Rockford-area customers.  Convenience is one of the primary factors customers use to determine where they shop for groceries.  These additional outlets will enhance operating efficiencies across the region and improve our ability to compete with a growing number of traditional and non-traditional retail outlets helping to ensure we remain a strong contributor in the Rockford community."

There will be no immediate name change.  Hilander stores will continue to operate under their current banner.  "We don't intend to make any major changes right away," said Schnuck.  "Although we have been operating successfully in the market for 13 years, our focus now is on combining the experience of both workforces and enhancing our understanding of what today's Rockford customers really want and need from their neighborhood market," he said.

The Hilander stores range in size from 30,000 to 81,000 square feet and employ approximately 715 associates.  Schnucks will also acquire pharmacy records from the four in-store pharmacies which means there will be no interruption of services for pharmacy customers.

Schnucks entered the Rockford area in 1998 with the purchase of three Logli supermarkets.  The company added the Rockford Plaza Charles Street location in 2000.  The four stores currently employ 675 teammates.  (In 2002, Schnucks also opened a Logli store in nearby Janesville, Wis.)

Following the Hilander acquisition, Schnuck Markets, Inc. will operate 100 stores and 95 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.  The company was founded in St. Louis in 1939.