Aldi shared Wednesday it has entered into an agreement to acquire Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket as part of a larger divestiture of Southeastern Grocers.
"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, in a statement. "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."
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, in a statement. "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."
Recently, Aldi opened its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama to help support new stores, and plans to open 20 new locations in the area by the end of the year.
"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," said Hart. "For those stores we do not convert, our intention is that these continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores."
The acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2024, subject to regulatory approval and other closing conditions.
Related: Casey's to Acquire 63 Convenience Stores; Affiliated Foods, KeHE Partner on Distribution