Michigan-based SpartanNash Co. announced Nov. 20 it will acquire South Bend-based grocer Martin's Super Markets Inc., a family-owned and operated independent supermarket chain.
SpartanNash said the addition of Martin’s will expand its corporate retail footprint into northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.
Rob Bartels, Martin's president, and grandson of its founders, said the company had been seeking a partner it could trust with the family's legacy of customer service, quality products and value.
“We found that partner in SpartanNash,” Bartels said. “SpartanNash has been a valued and capable partner, and our partnership has grown and strengthened over time.”
Bartels said Martin’s and SpartanNash share similar values, a passion for the business, and cultures based on excellent customer service, stewardship of our brands, and commitment to our communities and teams.
Martin’s was founded in 1947 and employs 3,500 people. It has stores 21 spread across South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth, Nappanee, Logansport and Warsaw. Its Michigan locations are in Niles, Stevensville and St. Joseph.
Martin’s also operates 17 in-store pharmacies, a pharmacy at Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, a Martin's Express convenience store in South Bend and a Side Door Café at Elkhart General Hospital.
For the fiscal year ended July 29, 2018, Martin's had more than $450 million in net sales.
“We are excited to welcome Martin's Super Markets to the SpartanNash family,” said David Staples, SpartanNash Co.’s president and CEO. “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.”
Staples said SpartanNash looks forward to working with the Martin’s team to continue to deliver the quality shopping experience and high level of customer service its customers expect.
“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,” Staples said. “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.”
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close early next year.
SpartanNash of Byron Center, Mich., is a Fortune 400 company whose core businesses include distributing grocery products to independent and chain retailers, its corporate-owned retail stores and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. SpartanNash serves customer locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain, Djibouti and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 139 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Market, VG's Grocery, Dan's Supermarket and Family Fresh Market.
