Empire Company Limited has made an exciting move by agreeing to acquire Mayrand Food Group through its subsidiary, Sobeys Inc. Mayrand has been a well-known grocery retailer in the Greater Montréal area for over 110 years, with four large stores in Anjou, Laval, Brossard, and Saint-Jérôme.
This deal is being finalized through a court-approved process, pending standard regulatory approvals. It’s expected to close in early 2027.
With a reputation for a wide range of products and competitive pricing, Mayrand has built strong ties with consumers and foodservice operators in Québec. The acquisition is a strategic step for Empire to tap into the growing discount and warehouse food segment, which caters to both households and professionals.
Empire intends to maintain the Mayrand brand while leveraging its own strengths in logistics, procurement, and merchandising to support future expansion. The company is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees, customers, and suppliers during this process.
Empire is a major player in the Canadian food retail space, generating about $32 billion in annual sales and employing around 129,000 people. Mayrand employs nearly 300 staff members, catering to Québec customers with fresh and diverse food options.
According to Luc L’Archevêque, Empire’s Chief Customer Officer, “Mayrand is a respected Québec institution with deep local roots and a loyal customer base.” He believes this partnership will allow both entities to thrive, with Empire bringing its vast resources and expertise to support Mayrand’s continued success.
### Interesting Insights
This acquisition is part of a larger trend in the retail sector. Over the past few years, grocery chains have been consolidating, aiming to increase their market share and enhance operational efficiency. According to a report by Deloitte, the grocery sector is expected to grow by 3% annually over the next five years, driven by changing consumer preferences and a push for more convenience in shopping.
On social media, community reactions have mostly been positive, with many loyal Mayrand customers expressing excitement about the brand’s future while hoping for minor changes to the shopping experience.
This deal not only highlights a significant shift in the retail landscape but also reflects how established brands can adapt and thrive by joining forces in a competitive market.
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Empire Company Limited,Mayrand Food Group,Sobeys
