GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — SpartanNash Co. announced it is acquiring Martin’s Super Markets Inc., an independent, family-owned supermarket chain based in South Bend, Ind., with 21 stores in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

“We are excited to welcome Martin’s Super Markets to the SpartanNash family,” David Staples, president and chief executive officer of SpartanNash, said in a statement on Tuesday. “Martin’s has been a valued independent retail customer since 2005, and we have the greatest respect for the Martin’s management team and its commitment to their associates, customers, and the communities they serve. We look forward to working with members of the team to continue to deliver the quality shopping experience and high level of customer service to Martin’s customers. Our long-standing relationship has built the foundation for our future success and will enable us to grow our corporate retail business in Indiana and Michigan consistent with our long-term strategic growth strategy. We also believe this investment in our corporate retail business will help us take full advantage of our opportunities to generate value for all SpartanNash stakeholders.”

SpartanNash is a grocery retailer, wholesaler and distributor serving customer locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain, Djibouti and Egypt.

Its retail segment has 139 supermarkets under such banners as Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Market and VG’s Grocery. The stores offer national brand merchandise as well as private label items.

Its wholesale segment distributes private brand items to independent supermarkets in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

The company is a leading distributor serving U.S. military commissaries and exchanges worldwide.

SpartanNash said it expects the Martin’s deal to be consummated in the first quarter, assuming the customary closing conditions are satisfied.

“We were seeking a partner we could trust with the family’s legacy of exceptional customer service, quality products and value; we found that partner in SpartanNash,” said Rob Bartels, president of Martin’s and the grandson of the company’s founders.