More consolidation: C&S Wholesale Grocers to acquire Piggly Wiggly Midwest

C&S Wholesale Grocers has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Piggly Wiggly Midwest.

Piggly Wiggly Midwest operates corporate stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style program. As part of the acquisition, C&S will operate 11 Piggly Wiggly Midwest corporate stores and service 14 Butera Market stores in the Chicago area, as well as 84 Wisconsin franchisees under the Piggly Wiggly brand. Piggly Wiggly's current distribution centers and offices will continue to operate.

The deal comes a few months after Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets entered into a merger agreement that will nearly doubles their collective footprint in the Northeast.

“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,” said Rick Cohen, executive chairman, C&S Wholesale Grocers. “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.”

As part of agreement, C&S will remain the primary supplier for Butera Market stores. The transaction is anticipated to close end of July 2021, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

“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,” said Paul Butera Sr., president, Piggly Wiggly Midwest and founder, Butera Market. “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.”

Butera’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 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," stated Bob Palmer, CEO, C&S Wholesale Grocers.