A group of private investors – led by Southeastern Grocers CEO and President Anthony Hucker and C&S Wholesale Grocers – has acquired SEG and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from Aldi U.S., which had purchased them in March.
The agreement includes about 170 grocery stores under the two banners in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, as well as the Winn-Dixie liquor store business.
Aldi intends to complete its previously stated conversion plans with about 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to be converted to the Aldi format over a multi-year conversion process that began in March and is expected to conclude in 2027.
“We are profoundly grateful and deeply honored to continue serving the communities we cherish. 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,” Hucker said.
“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.”
[RELATED: SEG Selling Banner Stores To Aldi, Fresco Retail Group]
Eric Winn, CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, said the consortium continues C&S and SEG’s longstanding partnership.
“For 20 years, we have worked together to feed our communities,” he said. “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.”
Both company’s leadership teams will work together to ensure a smooth transition, with leaders overseeing the store conversion and hiring process. Southeastern Grocers will continue to operate the remaining stores identified for conversion in the normal course of business until each respective store is closed for conversion.
RBC Capital Markets served as financial advisor to the consortium. Foley & Lardner LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal counsel.
For additional updates, visit segrocers.com/updates.