Wakefern Food Corp. announced it officially entered into an agreement to acquire all 17 Morton Williams grocery stores in the New York metropolitan area. This move is a major step for the Keasbey-based retailer-owned cooperative, which is home to brands like ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer.
The acquisition combines Wakefern’s grocery expertise with the legacy of the Morton Williams family, a name that has been synonymous with quality food retail for three generations.
The deal, which was advised by The Food Partners, will see the Morton Williams name retained, ensuring a sense of continuity for loyal customers. The 17 stores, which include 15 in Manhattan, one in the Bronx, and one in Jersey City, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wakefern.
“We are very excited to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family of supermarket banners,” Wakefern President Mike Stigers said. “This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to continue the legacy of a storied New York City grocer while building on the business and adding even more product offerings, value and quality for shoppers.”
The acquired stores will maintain a strong focus on fresh prepared foods and produce and will also feature Wakefern’s award-winning private label brands. This will give shoppers a broader selection of high-quality products.
Sean McMenamin, Wakefern Chairman, described the acquisition as a key part of the cooperative’s “aggressive growth strategy.” He noted that the leadership team has a “transformative vision” for sustainable, lasting growth that will benefit future generations of its members.
For the Morton Williams family, this deal represents a new chapter. Avi Kaner, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed confidence in Wakefern’s leadership. “We know our company, its team members, and loyal customers are in good hands as it moves into the future under Wakefern’s leadership.”
Kevin McDonnell, a 40-year supermarket industry veteran and president of Wakefern’s subsidiary PRRC Inc. (which operates the Price Rite Marketplace brand), has been tapped to lead the Morton Williams team.
McDonnell is optimistic about the future. He highlighted the powerful combination of Morton Williams’s renowned service and the cooperative’s significant buying power. “The buying power of the cooperative, which has more than 360 stores in nine states, and the legacy of Morton Williams service is a winning combination,” he said.
With this acquisition, Wakefern continues to solidify its presence in the competitive New York metro market, bringing a fresh, quality-driven approach to one of the world’s greatest cities.
