Buehler’s Fresh Foods has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire three Sander’s grocery stores in Ohio, an acquisition the Wooster, Ohio-based grocer says will expand its business and strengthen its presence in the state, subject to completion of the transaction.
The Sander’s website shows three Ohio stores, in Cadiz, Carrollton and Jefferson, as well as three stores in Pennsylvania – Franklin, Corry and North East – and one in Salamanca, New York.
Buehler’s, employee-owned since 2017, will welcome Sander’s Ohio team members into its employee stock ownership plan, with eligible employees gaining the opportunity to become part owners.
“Today is an exciting day for Buehler’s Fresh Foods, but this announcement is about much more than three stores or additional sales. It is about people,” said Mike Davidson, president and CEO of Buehler’s Fresh Foods, in an Oct. 16 post on his company’s Facebook page. “Our ESOP is an important part of who we are. We are excited to welcome the Sander’s employees into our employee-ownership family. We are committed to working together to make this transition as comfortable and familiar as possible for our new team members, customers and communities.”
Buehler’s intends to retain the Sander’s name for the immediate future and plans a measured transition, learning from the Sander’s team and its customer relationships before making changes.
“At the appropriate time, we expect to make investments that improve store operations and provide additional services to customers,” Davidson added.
“This is definitely a bittersweet moment for our family and for me personally,” said Mark Sanders, co-owner of Sander’s Markets. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of people over the years, and that’s what I’ll miss the most. Knowing our team will remain in place and can become owners themselves gives us a lot of confidence in the future.”
The Food Partners served as strategic and financial advisor to Buehler’s in the acquisition. Additional transition details will be communicated as they are confirmed, the company said.