Deal to bolster presence in Carolinas, Georgia

SALISBURY, N.C. — Food Lion has agreed to buy 62 BI-LO/Harveys Supermarket stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia from Southeastern Grocers, the company said on Wednesday.

“We are so excited to add these new locations to our more than 630 stores across Georgia and the Carolinas,” said Food Lion President Meg Ham. “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.”

The stores will remain open as BI-LO and Harveys Supermarket outlets until the transaction is complete, which is expected to take place over a staggered period from January to April 2021, pending regulatory approval and customary closing requirements. Food Lion plans to operate all the stores under the Food Lion banner.

The converted Food Lion stores will be served by ADUSA Distribution, LLC through its Mauldin, S.C., distribution center once the transaction is complete. The handover is anticipated to be complete in the first half of 2021.

Southeastern Grocers recently announced plans to expand in Florida via its own acquisition.  The retailer said last month that it would be adding eight new Winn-Dixie stores in the state before the end of the year, through the acquisition and conversion of four Lucky’s Market and four Earth Fare stores. The four Lucky’s Market stores located in Fort Myers, Gainesville, Lake Mary and Melbourne. The four Earth Fare stores obtained are located in Boynton Beach, Jacksonville, Lakewood Ranch and Viera.