Kroger, Lucky’s Market Ink Strategic Partnership

Making good on rampant reports that its acquisition appetite has not yet been satiated following its recent purchases of Harris Teeter and Roundy’s, The Kroger Co. has forged a “strategic partnership” with Boulder, Colo.-based specialty grocer Lucky’s Market. The hybrid deal, terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to significantly accelerate the growth of the 17-store Lucky’s banner in new and existing markets.

Kroger officials said the partnership, which closed on April 1, is designed to further enhance the best products, practices and techniques of Lucky’s Market, combining them with the Cincinnati-based retailer’s scale and experience to generate more benefits for customers. The alliance further demonstrates the Cincinnati-based grocery giant’s “deep ongoing commitment to providing customers with affordable fresh organic and natural foods as a part of its Customer 1st strategy,” according to Kroger, which indicated that the deal will gel well with its first-ever small format Main & Vine concept store in Gig Harbor, Wash., which mixes local, specialty and everyday products.

The alliance with Lucky’s follows in the wake of Kroger’s attempted acquisition of The Fresh Market and its successful merger with Roundy’s, operator of the popular Mariano’s Fresh Market chain in the Chicago area.

Sagent Advisors LLC and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati acted as financial advisor and legal advisor, respectively, to Lucky’s Market. Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal advisor to Kroger.

“It is a very special day in our industry when our largest traditional grocer and one of our fastest-growing specialty grocers form a strategic growth partnership,” Scott Moses, managing director and head of food, drug and specialty retail investment banking at New York-based Sagent, told PG. “Lucky’s is truly unique in its mission, its ethos and its egalitarian approach to good, healthy food. With Kroger’s help, we expect Bo and the Lucky’s team to continue their rapid growth and really make a mark in the sector over the next few years.  We are honored to have played a part in helping these two great companies embark on this exciting journey together.” 

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/industry-news-trends/national-supermarket-chains/kroger-luckys-market-announce-strategic-partnership