"The combination of our two companies’ capabilities puts our collective customers’ stores and our own retail stores at the center of the plate, supporting their ability to thrive in a highly dynamic and competitive environment," said Winn. "Our customers need us more than ever, and we are building a sustainable platform for our team members to be able to support them long into the future.”
“We are energized by the opportunities this combination provides for our associates and customers," said SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam. "With our organizational values in close alignment, there will be exciting new career opportunities for our people and a continued commitment to a people-first culture. For our customers, this transaction creates the necessary scale, efficiency and purchasing power needed to enable independent retailers to compete more effectively with larger big box chains. Neighborhood grocers are essential pillars of our communities that we want to preserve and strengthen. A thriving hometown grocery store supports local farmers, bolsters the local economy and enhances the overall health and well-being of the community.”
Together, the combined company will operate almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. and will serve close to 10,000 independent retail locations, with collectively more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores.
Being able to operate at a larger scale, supported by the combined innovative capabilities of the two companies, enables a more efficient supply chain as well as an ability to secure the best possible delivered cost of goods and promotional discounts, which are expected to translate to better pricing for community retailers and at the shelf for consumers.
The Transaction is expected to close in late 2025, subject to certain customary closing conditions, including, among other things, SpartanNash shareholder approval and applicable regulatory approvals. C&S has obtained financing commitment letters for the transaction.