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Jacksonville, Fla. – Following weeks of speculation, a consortium of private investors, led by Southeastern Grocers (SEG) CEO and President Anthony Hucker and C&S Wholesale Grocers, has finalized the acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from Aldi U.S. The deal, announced today, marks a new chapter for the iconic Southeastern grocery chains and their loyal customer base.
Thorvardur de Shong
The agreement involves acquiring approximately 170 grocery and liquor stores operating under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. This also includes the existing Winn-Dixie liquor store operations. Aldi U.S., which acquired Southeastern Grocers last year, will proceed with its previously announced conversion plans, converting about 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores into the Aldi format. This multiyear conversion process began in March 2024 and is expected to finish by 2027.
Anthony Hucker, who will now also be chairman of the newly acquired entity, expressed his enthusiasm for the future. “We are profoundly grateful and deeply honored to continue serving the communities we cherish,” Hucker said. “Our culture and path forward are firmly grounded in our 100-year legacy — a legacy built on strong values and a shared purpose of caring for one another. Throughout this transformational journey, our commitment to thoughtful, purpose-driven growth remains strong and propels us forward with renewed momentum. As we reinvest in the store fleet, we are inspired by listening loudly to the voices of our customers, to elevate and revolutionize our customer experience and store offerings, so that each step we take will reflect our dedication to our people and our communities.”
Eric Winn, CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, highlighted the longstanding partnership between C&S and SEG. “This consortium continues C&S and SEG’s longstanding partnership,” Winn said. “For 20 years, we have worked together to feed our communities. C&S has remained steadfast in our commitment to our transformation strategy, which includes being an industry-leading grocery wholesaler and retailer. Our unrelenting focus on long-term growth continues with an exciting opportunity for C&S to invest in and collaborate deeply with the retail market. C&S will leverage our best-in-class capabilities to provide value and quality to shoppers as we continue advancing our legacy of braggingly happy customers.”
Aldi and SEG leadership have pledged to work closely together to ensure a seamless transition. Dedicated teams will oversee store conversions and hiring processes. SEG will continue to operate the remaining stores slated for conversion, ensuring business as usual for customers and employees alike.
RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as the consortium's financial advisor, while Foley & Lardner LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP provided legal counsel.
