Hy-Vee will enter the Indiana market by acquiring the Strack & Van Til Food Market chain (also known as Indiana Grocery Group, LLC), with 22 supermarkets throughout Northwest Indiana.
The company said the acquisition of the stores will add to its more than 550 retail business units, including supermarkets, drugstores, pharmacies, restaurants, and convenience stores focusing on meal solutions for busy families.
“As our company continues to expand into Indiana and the Southeast region, Strack & Van Til’s customer-centric focus and company vision to ‘make lives easier’ aligns with Hy-Vee’s values and growth strategy,” said Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s CEO. “We look forward to welcoming Strack & Van Til’s approximately 2,800 employees into the Hy-Vee family in the coming weeks.”
Strack & Van Til will maintain its name and operate as a subsidiary under Hy-Vee, Inc., much like the parent company’s other subsidiaries, which include Midwest Heritage, Perishable Distributors of Iowa, D&D Foods, Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Vivid Clear Rx and Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits, among others.
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“As Northwest Indiana’s No. 1 grocery store, we know Hy-Vee is the perfect partner,” said Jeff Strack, Strack & Van Til’s CEO and president. “With our combined focus on providing excellent customer service, taking care of our employees, and giving back to our local communities, we believe this acquisition is a win-win for both our associates and our company.”
Strack & Van Til is a full-service grocery and fresh food store founded in 1959 in Highland, Indiana, and now has 22 locations throughout Northwest Indiana and Illinois.
“Much like Hy-Vee founders Charles Hyde and David Vredenberg, Strack & Van Til’s growth and success remains rooted in the philosophy and principles of its two founders Ernie Strack and Nick Van Til,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s Executive Chairman of the Board. “The Strack & Van Til chain is committed to delivering everyday value and providing quality groceries, perishables, and freshly prepared foods.”
With the acquisition expected to be finalized in early May, the company is now an Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) member, which supplies Strack & Van Til’s stores in Northwest Indiana. Hy-Vee’s grocery stores will continue to be served through its supply chain facilities, located in Ankeny, Chariton, Cherokee, and Cumming, Iowa.