C&S Wholesale Grocers buys Piggly Wiggly Midwest
C&S Wholesale Grocers has acquired Piggly Wiggly Midwest, setting it up to own and operate 11 Piggly Wiggly stores, as well as service 14 Butera Market stores in the Chicagoland region and 84 Piggly Wiggly franchises in Wisconsin.
Keene, N.H.-based C&S services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,700 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions, including providing a host of store brands. Piggy Wiggly has its own store brand that sells for around 30% less than national brand competitors that C&S will roll into its store brand assortment.
"With more than 102 years in the rapidly changing grocery industry, the foundation of C&S's success has been our ability to adapt and innovate ahead of market trends to better serve our customers. It's this legacy that drives our unrelenting focus on innovative go-to-market strategies and customer service. We consistently review opportunities to grow and expand into new geographies, segments and services to ensure the company's long-term success," said Rick Cohen, executive chair, C&S Wholesale Grocers.
Piggy Wiggly, based in Sheboygan, Wis., also operates two distribution centers in the region and a third in Milwaukee. Terms of the deal include that C&S will remain the primary supplier for Butera Market stores.
"Although it has been a very difficult decision, the sale of Piggly Wiggly Midwest to C&S is a natural next step for this historic brand. Piggly Wiggly is more than a supermarket, it is a family of franchise operators, employees and loyal Pig Point customers too. C&S has the experience and knowledge to ensure that this 100-year old icon continues for the next 100 years," said Paul Butera Sr., president, Piggly Wiggly Midwest and Founder, Butera Market.
According to the announcement, Paul Sr.'s sons — Joseph and Paul Jr., along with Paul Sr.'s grandson Nicholas (Paul Jr.'s son), will continue running Butera Market's operations.
The Food Partners served as financial advisers to Piggly Wiggly Midwest and Mayer Law Firm, SC served as legal counsel to Piggly Wiggly Midwest. Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC served as legal advisor to C&S.
"The purchase of Piggly Wiggly Midwest is a natural expansion of our already successful Piggly Wiggly Carolina business and reinforces our strong commitment to this beloved brand. It is a well-established legend in grocery retail that is valued by customers for its competitive pricing and focus on service," said Bob Palmer, CEO, C&S Wholesale Grocers.