German-based discount grocer Aldi (U.S. headquarters: Batavia, Ill.) said it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket from Southeastern Grocers (Jacksonville, Fla.). The acquisition will add about 400 stores in the Southeast U.S. to Aldi’s operations.
Aldi officials say some of the acquired locales will be converted to the Aldi banner, while others will continue to fly the Winn-Dixie and Harveys flags.
“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 time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the Southeast save on their grocery bills. 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.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The merger agreement has been approved by the holders of a majority of SEG’s outstanding shares, and the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Essen, Germany-based Aldi first made its move into the Southeast U.S. in the mid-1990s and has since invested $2.5 billion in the region. Most recently, Aldi opened its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Ala., to help support new stores, with plans to open 20 new Aldi locations in the area by the end of the year. Southeastern Grocers, formerly known as Bi-Lo, established its presence in the region nearly a century ago.