That is a difficult question to answer definitively as the ownership structure of America’s Best is complicated. However, it is clear that Walmart played a significant role in the creation of America’s Best and continues to be one of its major shareholders.
America’s Best was founded in 1988 by two former Walmart executives, Jack Shewmaker and Don Soderquist. Shewmaker and Soderquist left Walmart in 1986 after disagreements with then-CEO Sam Walton over the company’s direction. They took with them a number of other former Walmart employees, including current America’s Best CEO, Michael Podolinsky.
Walmart was an early investor in America’s Best and owned a significant stake in the company during its early years. However, Walmart sold most of its shares in America’s Best in 1995. Currently, Walmart owns just over 3% of America’s Best.
While Walmart is no longer a majority shareholder in America’s Best, it still plays an important role in the company. Many of America’s Best stores are located adjacent to Walmart stores, and the two companies have a close working relationship. In addition, Walmart supplies many of the products that America’s Best sells.
So while it is not possible to say definitively that Walmart owns America’s Best, it is clear that the company has had a major impact on the company since its inception and continues to be one of its most important partners.