C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. said it has entered into a definitive agreement with Piggly Wiggly Midwest with the intent to purchase the Wisconsin-based wholesaler.
Piggly Wiggly Midwest operates corporate stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style program. Since 1911, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, has been the home to Piggly Wiggly Midwest’s headquarters, where it has its corporate offices and two of its distribution centers. A third distribution center is located in Milwaukee.
“With more than 102 years in the rapidly changing grocery industry, the foundation of C&S’s success has been our ability to adapt and innovate ahead of market trends to serve our customers better. It’s this legacy that drives our unrelenting focus on innovative go-to-market strategies and customer service. We consistently review opportunities to grow and expand into new geographies, segments, and services to ensure the Company’s long-term success,” said Rick Cohen, Executive Chairman, C&S Wholesale Grocers, a supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply company.
The company said in a press release that as part of the acquisition, C&S would operate 11 Piggly Wiggly Midwest corporate stores and service 14 Butera Market stores in the Chicagoland region and 84 Wisconsin franchisees under the Piggly Wiggly brand. Also, the current distribution centers and offices will continue to operate.
Related Article: C&S Wholesale Grocers Names Bob Palmer as Chief Executive Officer
“Although it has been a very difficult decision, the sale of Piggly Wiggly Midwest to C&S is a natural next step for this historic brand. Piggly Wiggly is more than a supermarket; it is a family of franchise operators, employees, and loyal Pig Point customers too. C&S has the experience and knowledge to ensure that this 100-year old icon continues for the next 100 years,” said Paul Butera Sr., President, Piggly Wiggly Midwest and Founder, Butera Market.
The sale transaction, details of which were not provided, is anticipated to close end of July 2021, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.
“The purchase of Piggly Wiggly Midwest is a natural expansion of our already successful Piggly Wiggly® Carolina business and reinforces our strong commitment to this beloved brand. It is a well-established legend in grocery retail that is valued by customers for its competitive pricing and focus on service,” said Bob Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, C&S Wholesale Grocers.
For his part, Joseph Butera, president of Butera Market, said that they have committed to retaining C&S as their primary supplier for their Butera Market stores. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S Wholesale Grocers now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,700 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with over 137,000 different products.