C&S Buys Majority Stake in Winn Dixie

C&S Wholesale Grocers is set to acquire a majority stake in supermarket chain The Winn-Dixie Company, with the transaction anticipated to be finalized in early 2027. The grocer had previously formed part of a group of private investors that acquired Winn-Dixie from ALDI US last year.

Financial details of the new deal, including its value and the resulting ownership arrangement, have not been made public. Winn-Dixie’s chief executive Anthony Hucker will move into a special adviser role over the next few months.

Raymond Rhee will take over as CEO until the deal is finalized. Hucker said: “This proposed next step with C&S is a natural evolution of a partnership built on trust, shared purpose and a deep belief in what the hometown grocer still means to the communities we serve.

As his role evolves, his commitment to Winn-Dixie only grows stronger, and he has full confidence in Raymond and this leadership team, as they are deeply experienced and fully committed to the future they are building.”

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Winn-Dixie is set to maintain an office base in Jacksonville, Florida. According to the company, the transaction forms part of its broader “strategic growth plan”, which involves updating the Winn-Dixie brand and shopping experience, launching new store locations, renovating existing outlets, and growing its range of own-label products.

This plan is likely to have a significant impact on the supermarket chain’s operations and customer experience, as it aims to modernize and expand its services. The company’s decision to maintain its office base in Jacksonville, Florida, also suggests that it will continue to have a strong presence in the region.

Founded in 1918, C&S Wholesale Grocers runs a network of 60 distribution centres across the US. The group’s portfolio of businesses includes Grocers Supply, Hansen Distribution Group, Davidson Specialty Foods and SpartanNash.

C&S CEO Eric Winn added: “To continue to grow in the industry – not only today, but well into the future – there is even more opportunity within our retail footprint, especially in the Southeast. I want to thank Anthony Hucker for his leadership as they continue the strong legacy of C&S and Winn-Dixie for many generations to come.”

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Last September, C&S finalized its purchase of US food solutions provider SpartanNash Company in a $1.77bn deal that had been agreed in June 2025. Last month, C&S cut prices on thousands of grocery items across its regional store banners, including Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and Piggly Wiggly, as part of an effort to give shoppers added value on frequently purchased goods during the summer period.

The acquisition of Winn-Dixie is a significant step for C&S Wholesale Grocers, as it expands its presence in the Southeast and strengthens its position in the retail industry.

As the transaction is finalized, Winn-Dixie will continue to operate under its current brand, with plans to update and expand its services.

C&S Wholesale Grocers has a strong track record of successful acquisitions, including its recent purchase of SpartanNash Company.