Both the Kroger and Albertsons Cos. combination and the divestiture sale to C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC to create meaningful and measurable benefits for associates, customers and communities
C&S, an industry leader in wholesale grocery supply and one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, brings 104 years of food industry experience and a track record as a successful grocery retailer
C&S commits that:
No stores will close as a result of the merger and that all frontline associates will remain employed
All existing collective bargaining agreements will continue
Associates will continue to receive industry-leading health care and pension benefits alongside bargained-for wages
Merger remains on track to close in early 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and other closing conditions
Ensures that no stores will close as a result of the merger
Ensuring frontline associates will remain employed
Existing collective bargaining agreements will be honored, with continued investment in associates and stores for the long term
Maintaining healthcare and pension benefits, and bargained-for wages
C&S has a strong balance sheet and a sound business plan
Seasoned operators with track record as a successful grocery retailer
Zero store closures
Zero frontline associate job loss
Secures union jobs
Continued industry-leading benefits
Well-capitalized buyer
Strong Management team
Agreement follows robust and thoughtful process to identify buyer with management experience, a sound business plan, strong balance sheet and financial stability to continue to serve our communities
413 Stores
Including any associated fuel centers and pharmacies
QFC, Mariano’s and Carrs brand names1
Exclusive Licensing Rights to Albertsons Brand Name in Arizona, California, Colorado and Wyoming
Debi Lilly Design, Primo Taglio, Open Nature, ReadyMeals and Waterfront Bistro private label brands
8 distribution centers
2 regional headquarters
Expert district, division and functional associates
Robust infrastructure to ensure C&S can continue operate divested stores effectively and efficiently with no disruption to the associate or customer experience
“We believe the apparent credibility of this plan and the durability of the buyer puts Kroger & Albertsons in better position to complete their merger.”
Michael Lasser
UBS
9/8/23
“Overall, C&S is a credible, established industry bellwether and we expect it would be viewed as such by regulators and market participants.”
Simeon Gutman
Morgan Stanley
9/7/23