Jacksonville, Fla. – February 7, 2025 – In a surprising move that promises to reshape the grocery industry in the Southeast, a consortium of private investors, led by C&S Wholesale Grocers and Southeastern Grocers’ (SEG) longtime CEO Anthony Hucker, has officially acquired the Winn-Dixie brand and remaining stores from ALDI U.S.
In March of last year, ALDI purchased Southeastern Grocers, which includes Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, and announced an ambitious 5-year, $9 billion plan to add 800 stores nationwide through new stores and store conversions. Now, the company plans to convert only certain stores from the 2024 acquisition into ALDI branded locations, with the rest being sold as part of the new deal announced Friday.
A Major Shift in Southeastern Grocers’ Future
The transaction marks a significant turning point for Southeastern Grocers, which has long been a staple in the southeast. With approximately 170 grocery and liquor stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the company’s future will now be guided by the hands of its existing leadership, alongside C&S Wholesale Grocers, a company that has been an integral partner for over two decades.
ALDI U.S., which had acquired SEG in 2024, will proceed with its previously announced plans to convert approximately 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores into the ALDI format through 2027. The stores that remain under the SEG umbrella will continue to operate under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands.
Southeast Makes Commitment to Community and Innovation
Anthony Hucker, who will continue in his leadership role as Chair, CEO, and President of SEG, expressed enthusiasm for the transition, emphasizing the company’s unwavering dedication to the communities it serves.
“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,” said Hucker. “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.”
Eric Winn, CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the continued commitment of C&S to support and grow the SEG business. “For 20 years, we have worked together to feed our communities,” said Winn. “This opportunity allows us to invest in and collaborate deeply with the retail market, ensuring we deliver quality and value to our customers.”
A Seamless Transition with ALDI’s Support
As ALDI U.S. and SEG embark on this transition, both entities have committed to a smooth and structured handover of operations. ALDI’s dedicated teams will oversee the conversion of identified stores while SEG focuses on refining and expanding its remaining locations.
The transition strategy includes:
- The continued operation of existing SEG stores until their scheduled conversion dates.
- A strong focus on maintaining quality and service throughout the transition process.
- A commitment from SEG to reinvest in stores that will remain under its ownership, ensuring a refreshed customer experience.
Financial and Legal Oversight
RBC Capital Markets, LLC acted as the financial advisor to the acquiring consortium, while Foley & Lardner LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP provided legal counsel. The transaction signals a strategic move to strengthen SEG’s financial standing while allowing for targeted growth and reinvestment in its brands.
