Empire Company Limited, parent company of Sobeys, has agreed to acquire 51 percent of Longo’s and Grocery Gateway, accelerating its presence in Ontario. Thirty-six Longo’s locations will join Empire’s store network, and e-commerce business Grocery Gateway adds 70,000 online customers. This is part of Empire's Project Horizon growth plans for key markets like the greater Toronto area, both in bricks-and-mortar and e-commerce.
“Longo’s has built one of the most successful and sought-after brands in the GTA and Southwestern Ontario," said Michael Medline, president and CEO, Empire, in a statement. "Longo’s is a crown jewel of grocery and as a values-driven company, Longo’s culture aligns closely with Empire.”
Longo’s will continue to be led by president and CEO, Anthony Longo, and his team. Although managed separately, Longo’s will benefit from Empire’s infrastructure and capabilities.
“With strong alignment to our family values and purpose, we look forward to working together with Empire to bring the Longo’s experience to even more Canadian families,” said Longo, in a statement. “The more we learned about Empire, the clearer it became that this was the right team to partner with to support our next chapter of growth. And of course, we will continue to offer the same high-quality service and fresh products, exceptional private-label offering and the convenience of e-commerce that our guests have come to know and love.”
Related: Empire Co. Limited Adds New FreshCo Locations; Empire Co. Expands Farm Boy Banner.