Southeastern Grocers Unveils New Ownership for Iconic Winn-Dixie Brand
A consortium of private investors, led by Anthony Hucker, the current CEO and President of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), along with C&S Wholesale Grocers, has officially announced the acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its flagship banners, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket. This move follows ALDI U.S.’s purchase of Southeastern Grocers in March 2024. With this acquisition, SEG aims to maintain and enhance its presence in the grocery retail sector while continuing to serve its loyal customer base across the southeastern United States.
Key Details of the Acquisition
The newly announced agreement entails the purchase of SEG’s grocery and liquor store operations under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners. This includes approximately 170 grocery stores spread across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. Additionally, the agreement covers the existing Winn-Dixie liquor store business.
ALDI U.S., which previously acquired SEG, will continue with its original plans to convert approximately 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations into ALDI-branded stores. This transformation process, which commenced in March 2024, is expected to be completed by 2027. While some locations transition to the ALDI format, the acquisition ensures that a significant portion of SEG’s iconic grocery stores will continue operating under their well-established names.
Leadership’s Vision for the Future
Anthony Hucker, Chairman, CEO, and President of Southeastern Grocers, expressed his enthusiasm for this transition, emphasizing the company’s unwavering commitment to its customers and 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. 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,” Hucker stated.
Eric Winn, CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, also shared his excitement about the acquisition, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between C&S and SEG.
“This consortium continues C&S and SEG’s longstanding partnership. 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,” Winn stated.
The Strategic Importance of This Acquisition
This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both Southeastern Grocers and C&S Wholesale Grocers. As the grocery retail industry undergoes rapid transformation, marked by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and increased competition, maintaining strong regional brands like Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket becomes crucial.
By keeping the Winn-Dixie and Harveys brands operational, SEG and C&S Wholesale Grocers can cater to customers who value the traditional grocery shopping experience while simultaneously modernizing store operations to meet contemporary consumer demands. The preservation of these stores also ensures job security for thousands of employees who have built careers with SEG over the years.
A Smooth Transition for Customers and Employees
As part of the acquisition, ALDI U.S. and SEG leadership will continue collaborating to facilitate a seamless transition. Dedicated leadership teams will oversee the store conversion and hiring processes to minimize disruptions. Customers can expect the same high level of service and product quality they are accustomed to while SEG continues operating stores scheduled for conversion.
Employees will also receive support during this transition, ensuring job stability and career growth opportunities within the newly structured organization. This move reflects SEG’s deep-rooted commitment to its workforce, recognizing the vital role that employees play in maintaining excellent customer service and operational efficiency.
The Role of Key Advisors in the Acquisition
To ensure a smooth and well-structured acquisition, several key financial and legal advisors were involved. RBC Capital Markets, LLC served as the financial advisor to the consortium, while Foley & Lardner LLP and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP provided legal counsel. These partnerships were instrumental in navigating the complexities of the acquisition process and ensuring a successful transition.
For continued updates on the acquisition and its impact on customers and employees, SEG has set up a dedicated section on its website at www.segrocers.com/updates.
A Look at Winn-Dixie’s Rich History
Founded in 1925, Winn-Dixie has grown into a beloved grocery store chain serving communities across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. With nearly a century of experience in providing high-quality groceries and excellent customer service, Winn-Dixie has established itself as a household name in the Southeast.
The grocery chain operates numerous brick-and-mortar stores, as well as online platforms offering grocery delivery and curbside pickup services. The continued operation of Winn-Dixie under the new ownership ensures that customers will still have access to their favorite products and services.
About Southeastern Grocers (SEG)
Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG) is an omnichannel retailer that operates a network of brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online shopping options. The company is the parent organization of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, both of which have strong regional identities and deep-rooted customer loyalty.
SEG has built a reputation for community involvement, providing quality products at competitive prices, and fostering meaningful connections with its customers. The company remains committed to its mission of delivering exceptional value and service while adapting to the ever-changing retail landscape.
About C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC
C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is a major player in the U.S. grocery supply chain and wholesale sector. Founded in 1918, the company started as a supplier to independent grocery stores and has since grown into a powerhouse, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with an extensive range of products.
In addition to its wholesale operations, C&S also operates corporate grocery stores and supports independent franchisees under a chain-style model across the Midwest, South, and Northeast. The company is deeply committed to community engagement and corporate responsibility, ensuring that its business practices have a positive impact on society.
The Future of SEG Under New Ownership
With this acquisition, the future looks bright for Southeastern Grocers, Winn-Dixie, and Harveys Supermarket. Under the leadership of Anthony Hucker and the strategic support of C&S Wholesale Grocers, the brands are poised for growth, innovation, and continued commitment to customer satisfaction.
As SEG reinvests in its stores, customers can expect enhancements to their shopping experience, including improved store layouts, expanded product selections, and upgraded digital services. The new ownership is dedicated to maintaining the legacy of these brands while introducing modern retail solutions to meet evolving consumer expectations.
