Aldi to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket

Aldi announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket as part of a larger divestiture of Southeastern Grocers to various entities.

The acquisition continues the growth of Aldi, expanding its ability to serve the region with great products at the lowest possible prices, the company said.

"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 Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi. "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."

Aldi said that despite many retailers shuttering stores due to economic conditions, the retailer is doubling-down on expansion plans, supporting its position as one of the fastest-growing grocers in the country. The Southeast-focused acquisition includes approximately 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

"This merger agreement is a testament to our successful transformational journey and the tireless work of our dedicated associates who serve our communities," said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. "Aldi shares our vision to provide exceptional quality, service and value - and this unique opportunity will evolve our business to benefit our customers, associates and neighbors throughout the Southeast."

[Read more: Southeastern Grocers rolls out curbside pickup at Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket]

The transaction will bring together three brands that share a long-standing commitment to delivering an exceptional grocery experience and making a positive impact in the communities where they operate, the company said. Aldi first established its presence in the Southeast in the mid-1990s and has 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 locations in the area by the end of the year. Southeastern Grocers established its presence in the region nearly a century ago.   

"Aldi will operate Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores with the same level of care and focus on quality and service, as we also evaluate which locations will convert to the Aldi format to better support the neighborhoods we'll now have the privilege of serving," added Hart. "For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores."

[Read more: Southeastern Grocers debuts Know & Love private label line]

Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor to Aldi. Baker & McKenzie was transaction counsel to ALDI and Kayne Law Group served as real estate counsel to ALDI.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024.