ALDI is known for its small-format stores with a small selection and small price tags. But it’s just made a very big purchase that will expand its presence and influence in the U.S. grocery market in a very big way.

ALDI announced this morning its planned purchase of the Florida-based Winn-Dixie and Harveys grocery chains from owner Southeastern Grocers. While the transaction will only directly impact shoppers and employees of the approximately 400 store locations across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, the move to purchase full-scale supermarkets firmly positions ALDI as a major player – and no longer just a niche discounter – in the grocery industry. Here’s the full article from Coupons in the News.

Personally, I think this is a huge misstep on ALDI’s part – look how well Sears did with their Lands End purchase.  Actually, there is a ton of M&A deals that appear to be pie in the sky marketing dreams.  that turn into nightmares 🙂