GRAND RAPIDS – The parent company of Family Fare has been sold.
According to a statement released by the Grand Rapids grocer, Spartan Nash was purchased by C & S wholesale grocers, parent corporation of Piggly Wiggly
C&S will acquire SpartanNash for $26.90 per share in cash. The transaction is valued at $1.77 billion, including assumed net debt, representing a 52.5% premium over SpartanNash’s June 20 closing price of $17.64 and a 42.0% premium over its 30-day volume-weighted average.
The agreement was unanimously approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors. SpartanNash’s previously declared $0.22 per share dividend remains scheduled for payment on June 30 to shareholders of record as of June 13.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our team members, partners and, notably, our customers,” said C&S CEO Eric Winn. “C&S and SpartanNash share core values—customer focus, teamwork and community commitment. Together, we bring some of the most advanced capabilities and boldest innovations in distribution to support stores across the nation. Our legacy of ‘braggingly happy’ customers continues, helping stores thrive in a competitive environment.”
“We are energized by the opportunities this combination provides for our Associates and customers,” added SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam. “With aligned values, we’ll open new career paths and reinforce our People First culture.
For customers, this transaction brings the scale and efficiency needed to help independent retailers compete with big box chains. Local grocers are community anchors, and we aim to preserve and strengthen them.”
Strategic Rationale
- Complementary Networks: The merged company will operate nearly 60 distribution centers, serve approximately 10,000 independent retailers, and manage more than 200 corporate grocery stores.
- Greater Efficiency and Scale: The merger is expected to lower supply chain costs and secure better product pricing and promotions, benefiting both retailers and consumers. With industry margins averaging just 1.6%, the new entity will be better positioned to compete in the $1 trillion U.S. food-at-home market.
- Improved Access to Nutrition and Pharmacy Services: Nearly half of U.S. counties lack a nearby pharmacy, and over 5% of Americans live in food deserts. The combined company’s footprint will help bridge these gaps through expanded access to groceries and essential medications.
