Midwest grocer Hy-Vee, Inc. announced this week that it is expanding its footprint in Northwest Indiana with the acquisition of Strack & Van Til Food Market chain (also known as Indiana Grocery Group, LLC).
In a news release issued Wednesday, April 17, Hy-Vee said it is in the process of acquiring the Indiana grocery chain. The deal will add 22 stores to Hy-Vee’s more than 550 retail business units, which include grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies, restaurants and convenience stores that focus on meal solutions for busy families. Its locations include multiple stores across the Quad Cities region.
“As our company continues to expand into Indiana and the Southeast region, Strack & Van Til’s customer-centric focus and company vision to ‘make lives easier’ aligns with Hy-Vee’s values and growth strategy,” Hy-Vee CEO Jeremy Gosch said in the news release. “We look forward to welcoming Strack & Van Til’s approximately 2,800 employees into the Hy-Vee family in the weeks to come.”
According to the release, Strack & Van Til will maintain its name and operate as a subsidiary under Hy-Vee, Inc., much like the parent company’s other subsidiaries. They include Midwest Heritage, Perishable Distributors of Iowa, D&D Foods, Amber Specialty Pharmacy, Vivid Clear Rx and Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits, among others.
“As Northwest Indiana’s No. 1 grocery store, we know Hy-Vee is the perfect partner,” Jeff Strack, Strack & Van Til’s CEO and president, said in the release. “With our combined focus on providing excellent customer service, taking care of our employees and giving back to our local communities, we believe this acquisition is a win-win for both our associates and our company.”
Hy-Vee said the acquisition is expected to be finalized in early May.
Financial details about the acquisition were not released.
Founded in 1929, Strack & Van Til is a full-service grocery and fresh food store that bills itself as Indiana’s grocery store and “Indiana made.”
“Much like Hy-Vee founders Charles Hyde and David Vredenberg, Strack & Van Til’s growth and success remains rooted in the philosophy and principles of its two founders Ernie Strack and Nick Van Til,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee board’s executive chairman. “Like Hy-Vee, the Strack & Van Til chain is also committed to delivering everyday value and providing quality groceries, perishables and freshly prepared foods. As we remain focused on our future growth, Strack & Van Til is a great addition to the Hy-Vee family.”
With the chain’s acquisition, Hy-Vee is now a member of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), which supplies Strack & Van Til’s stores in Northwest Indiana. Hy-Vee’s grocery stores will continue to be served through its own supply chain facilities, located in Ankeny, Chariton, Cherokee and Cumming, Iowa.
Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating across eight Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion annually and more than 75,000 employees across its 550+ business units. Founded in 1930, Hy-Vee now ranks in the Top 5 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 3 favorite grocery stores.
