SALISBURY, NC – Food Lion, a subdivision of Ahold Delhaize, is in the process of acquiring 62 BI-LO and Harvey’s Supermarket stores from Southeastern Grocers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
“We are so excited to add these new locations to our more than 630 stores across Georgia and the Carolinas,” said Meg Ham, president of Food Lion. “We’ve been serving customers in these larger regions for almost 60 years. We’re thrilled to add these locations and serve even more towns and cities across these three states with fresh, quality products at affordable prices every day with the caring, friendly service customers expect from their local Food Lion.”
This announcement comes after Southeastern Grocers announced its five-year business transformation strategy earlier this month, which included the dissolution of the BI-LO banner to invest in growing the Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie brands. The company is actively exploring other potential transactions and options for remaining BI-LO stores.
"The successful execution of our long-term transformation strategy may at times require difficult decisions,” said Anthony Hucker, president and chief executive officer of Southeastern Grocers. “Today’s transactions are a critical strategic move and an important next step for our continued growth and broader evolution as a business. These actions will facilitate greater investment in our remaining footprint so we can continue to provide an exceptional shopping experience our customers can always count on.”
The stores will remain open as BI-LO and Harvey’s Supermarket until the transaction is completed, which is expected to take place in a staggered pace over January to April 2021. All 62 stores will eventually be operated under the Food Lion name.
After the transaction is complete, Food Lion will be served by ADUSA Distribution LLC to support the new network of stores.