C&S Wholesale Grocers has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SpartanNash for $1.77 billion, the companies announced recently. The combined company will operate more than 200 grocery stores and nearly 60 complementary distribution centers across the U.S. The agreement is expected to close in late 2025.
“Our industry is facing critical challenges, including rising fixed costs and slowing topline growth,” C&S CEO Eric Winn said in a company email. “Our integration is key to diversifying our capabilities and expanding our wholesale and retail geographic footprint to support long-term, sustainable success.”
This marks C&S Wholesale Grocers’ second major acquisition of the year. In February, the Keene, New Hampshire-based company joined a group of investors—including the president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers—to acquire Southeastern Grocers, along with its Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket banners, from Aldi U.S.In May, however, C&S announced it would cease operations at a distribution center in Baldwin, Florida, resulting in approximately 490 layoffs.
Meanwhile, SpartanNash, based in Byron Center, Michigan, expanded its operations in late 2024 through the acquisitions of Fresh Encounter Inc. and Markham Enterprises’ convenience stores. The Fresh Encounter deal included 49 retail grocery locations across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Markham Enterprises’ acquisition involved three convenience store locations. Following these deals, SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam told Supermarket News in November that the company would continue evaluating merger and acquisition opportunities.
“M&A is something we’ve always considered a core part of our strategic vision,” Sarsam said. “We’re actively evaluating many possibilities, but they must meet specific criteria to move forward. “We are going to be relentless in pursuing further M&A. I wasn’t kidding—we are going to push hard on opportunities that create shareholder value and align with our success metrics.”
Sarsam stated that the acquisition by C&S Wholesale Grocers would provide new career opportunities for SpartanNash employees while upholding the company’s People First culture. He added that the transaction would create the necessary scale, efficiency, and purchasing power to help independent retailers better compete with larger big-box chains.
“Neighborhood grocers are essential pillars of our communities, and we aim to preserve and strengthen them,” Sarsam said. “A thriving hometown grocery store supports local farmers, bolsters the local economy, and enhances the health and well-being of the entire community.”
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