Merged companies to operate more than 200 stores in four states

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Raley’s has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bashas’ Family of Stores, a move that would nearly double Raley’s store count and give the regional grocery store operator a presence in Arizona.

Once the deal closes, family-owned Bashas’ will continue to operate its existing banners as part of the Raley’s enterprise. It will also keep its corporate headquarters in Chandler, Ariz., and maintain a distribution center in the state.

“Today marks an important milestone in the ongoing legacy of two great companies,” Keith Knopf, Raley’s president and chief executive, said in an October 1 statement. “We are humbled to assume stewardship of the Bashas’ organization. Raley’s history of respecting the legacy of the brands we acquire assures continuity for Bashas’ customers, employees, and business partners.”

Continued Knopf, “The Bashas’ company is strong and well-positioned in the market. We are confident that with our robust digital capabilities and combined purchasing power, we can further enhance the overall customer experience.”

Bashas’ has more than 100 stores, nearly all of which are in Arizona, operating under the Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Eddie’s Country Store banners. It also serves the region’s Native American communities through its Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Raley’s operates 124 store, mostly in Northern California, across the Raley’s, Nob Hill Foods, Bel Air and Raley’s O-N-E Market banners.

“In Raley’s we will have a partner who will ensure we continue delivering exceptional customer and member experiences at a time when regional grocery competition has never been tougher — while staying true to the values that have shaped our history over 90 years,” according to a statement from Edward “Trey” Basha, president and CEO of Bashas’ Inc.

The first store under the Bashas’ banner was opened in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler nearly 90 years ago.