Niemann Foods Inc. (NFI), operator if the County Market Express chain, reached a deal with Big River Oil Co., of Hannibal Mo., to acquire its convenience store division. Terms of the deal, which is expected to be completed over the next month, were not disclosed.
The acquisition includes 16 Pick-A-Dilly convenience stores, all of which are located in Missouri. “Our partnering with NFI allows us to focus on our core business of energy distribution while NFI is able to focus on its core business of retail,” said Stewart McIntyre, vice president of Big River Oil. “This agreement will benefit the customers and employees of both companies.”
NFI intends on continuing to operate the stores under the Pick-A-Dilly name. Many of the locations will allow co-marketing efforts with area County Market Stores, increasing customer value through promotions and greater buying power.
“NFI is excited to welcome the Pick-A-Dilly group into our family, our experience in retail and more specifically in Convenience stores, has prepared us for this opportunity. Big River Oil is a strong organization and will continue to supply fuel to the Pick-A-Dilly as well as the area County Market Express Stores.” said Jeremy Dyer, NFI’s director of operations for its convenience store group.
Quincy, Ill.-based NFI also recently completed the acquisition of the Shell One Stop Convenience store also in Quincy.
“Our recent growth demonstrates NFI’s commitment to the area. As a locally owned & operated business we are committed to our associates, our customers and the communities we serve.” Gerry Kettler, director of consumer affairs for NFI.
NFI operates a wide variety of retail formats including County Market & Save-A-lot grocery stores, Ace Hardware, Pet Supply Plus and now 28 Convenience Stores under 2 banners, Pick-A-Dilly and County Market Express.