C&S Wholesale Grocers to become majority owner of Winn-Dixie Company
Some leadership changes are in store for The Winn-Dixie Company.
C&S Wholesale Grocers has proposed a transaction to become the majority owner of grocery retailer. Terms of the deal, which is expected to close in 2027, were not disclosed.
Anthony Hucker, CEO of Winn-Dixie, will continue to serve as a special advisor “over the coming months,” according to a release by C&S. Raymond Rhee, the grocer’s current CFO, will become Winn-Dixie’s CEO until the transaction closes. C&S, which is based in Keene, N.H., said that Winn-Dixie remains committed to its Jacksonville (Florida) community and will continue to have an office presence.
In 2025, a consortium of private investors spearheaded by Hucker and C&S Wholesale Grocers acquired Winn-Dixie from Aldi US.
“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,” Hucker said. “As my role evolves, my commitment to Winn-Dixie only grows stronger, and I have full confidence in Raymond and this leadership team, as they are deeply experienced and fully committed to the future we are building.”
This combination will ensure that Winn-Dixie's strategic growth plans thrive by providing long-term solutions to structural costs and supply chain capabilities, C&S stated in the release.
C&S operates more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores primarily under the D&W Fresh Market, Grand Union, Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and Piggly Wiggly banners.
"Our industry is rapidly evolving, and this is another important advancement in our ability to support hometown grocers,” stated Eric Winn, CEO of C&S. “I look forward to welcoming Winn-Dixie team members into the C&S family. As partners for more than 20 years, this will be a seamless integration that will enable us to leverage efficiencies and economies of scale to drive growth for our team members, customers, shoppers and communities.”
