SpartanNash expands mid-Michigan presence with Markham Enterprises deal

Food solutions company SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) announced a strategic asset purchase agreement with Markham Enterprises, Markham Oil, and affiliates, bringing the three-store Michigan-based convenience chain into SpartanNash’s portfolio. The acquisition will expand SpartanNash’s convenience store and fuel distribution capabilities in mid-Michigan, with the deal expected to close in early December. SpartanNash plans to retain all 42 employees currently working with Markham Enterprises, marking its latest move to grow the company’s local footprint and workforce.

Executive Insight on Fuel Network Expansion

SpartanNash’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Information Officer, Masiar Tayebi, highlighted the acquisition as a key step in SpartanNash’s strategic push to enhance its fuel center and convenience store operations. Tayebi noted that the company is actively investing in refreshing its existing fuel centers, aligning with SpartanNash’s broader retail and wholesale expansion strategy. According to Tayebi, integrating Markham Enterprises into SpartanNash’s network will allow the company to apply new insights across its wholesale business, positioning the company to capture more consumer engagement and expand market potential.

Positive Community Impact and Employee Continuity

Markham Enterprises President and CEO Denise Markham expressed confidence in SpartanNash’s alignment with Markham’s “People First” culture, welcoming the opportunity for SpartanNash to support the Perry, Howell, and Lansing communities. Markham emphasized the benefits of SpartanNash’s resources to further develop the business and serve local residents.

Expansion Continues: SpartanNash’s Fresh Encounter Acquisition

This acquisition of Markham Enterprises follows SpartanNash’s recent purchase of Fresh Encounter Inc. (FEI), a 49-store supermarket chain operating in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. FEI, led by third-generation grocers Michael Needler Jr. and Julie Anderson, has been a long-term SpartanNash distribution partner. The Fresh Encounter acquisition is set to increase SpartanNash’s retail footprint by 33%, adding roughly 2,500 employees to its workforce. As with the Markham deal, SpartanNash intends to keep the FEI team intact, reflecting the company’s emphasis on workforce stability during expansion.

The Fresh Encounter stores, operating under banners such as Community Markets, Remke Markets, Chief Markets, and Needler’s Fresh Market, represent a substantial addition to SpartanNash’s retail reach and growth objectives for its 2025 long-term plan.

Future Outlook and Strategic Growth

SpartanNash’s acquisitions of both Markham Enterprises and Fresh Encounter signal the company’s commitment to broadening its market presence in fuel, convenience, and grocery segments. These strategic purchases are intended to reinforce SpartanNash’s earning potential and provide a robust foundation to meet its growth targets.