Wisconsin’s largest food distribution and grocery store chain will soon have a new owner.
The Kroger Company of Cincinnati says Wednesday that it has reached an agreement to buy the Milwaukee-based Roundy’s for $800 million, including debt. Kroger will buy all outstanding shares of Roundy’s, while Roundy’s locations will keep operating as subsidiaries of Kroger.
Wisconsin Grocers Association President Brandon Scholz said the merger is a good deal for consumers. “Both companies, Kroger and Roundy’s, are leaders in their field. They run good stores, they’re dedicated to their customers and they’re looking to make sure people have a great shopping experience,” he said.
The two companies said there are no plans to close their combined 2,700 supermarkets with 422,000 employees. Roundy’s owns 151 stores and 101 pharmacies under the Pick-N-Save, Copps, and Metro Market banners throughout Wisconsin. It also has distribution centers in Oconomowoc and Mazomanie with a commissary in Kenosha. Officials say Roundy’s will continue with its current management team, and its headquarters will stay in Milwaukee. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of this year.
WHBY’s Mike Kemmeter contributed to this report.