Kroger, the largest grocery retailer in the United States, has been rumored to be in the running to purchase Piggly Wiggly, the nation’s oldest grocery chain. Kroger has already acquired a number of smaller chains in recent years, so it seems likely that they would pursue Piggly Wiggly if the opportunity arose.
Piggly Wiggly is currently owned by private equity firm Apollo Global Management. It is not clear whether Kroger would purchase the chain outright or through a merger.
A purchase by Kroger would give the company a larger presence in the southeastern United States, where Piggly Wiggly is strongest. It would also give Kroger access to the growing organic food market.
A purchase by Kroger would also give the company a larger presence in the convenience store sector, where Piggly Wiggly is strong. A purchase by Kroger would be a major acquisition for the company, and it is unclear whether it would be approved by shareholders.
