Schnuck Markets Acquires Festival Foods in $TBD Deal

Lead St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets announced today it will acquire Wisconsin’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, bringing 51 stores under its umbrella in a deal that unites two family-owned grocers.

Nut Graf The transaction consolidates Festival Foods’ 42 stores and Hometown Grocers’ nine outlets with Schnuck Markets, forming the newly created 1939 Group. Leaders say the move preserves local identities while expanding regional scale and resources.

Main Part

Acquisition Details

• Schnuck Markets will purchase all shares of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, including those held in the companies’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
• The combined network of 51 locations will operate under existing banners, maintaining each brand’s name and community presence.

Leadership and Legacy

• Todd Schnuck, incoming chairman and CEO of the 1939 Group, praised Festival Foods’ community focus and history dating back to 1946.
• Outgoing Festival Foods CEO Mark Skogen emphasized continuity: “Our focus has always been on treating every customer like a guest… With Schnucks’ shared commitment to nourishing lives, this transition will help expand our impact”.

Operational Continuity

• Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers will retain separate headquarters in Onalaska and Green Bay, while sharing corporate support with Schnuck Markets from St. Louis.
• The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close by late October.

Strategic Impact

• The acquisition brings Schnuck Markets’ total footprint to 164 stores across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, enhancing purchasing power and distribution efficiencies.
• Company executives anticipate leveraging shared best practices in merchandising, logistics, and employee development to strengthen customer experience across all markets.