Business

Kroger buys Giant Eagle supermarket chain in $1.65B deal

Kroger is buying Giant Eagle, adding nearly 200 more supermarkets to its portfolio in a billion-dollar deal.

The Cincinnati-based grocery giant announced the purchase agreement in a news release on July 1.

Kroger will buy Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, acquiring its 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.

"Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and customer loyalty," said Kroger CEO Greg Foran. "We evaluated the opportunity carefully, and the strategic fit is clear."

The deal is comprised of $1.25 billion in cash from Kroger and about $400 million in debt from Giant Eagle that Kroger will assume, according to the news release.

Kroger and Giant Eagle deal expected to close in 2027

As part of the deal, Kroger and Giant Eagle expect to make "limited Giant Eagle store divestitures" for regulatory reasons, though it is unclear what stores will be affected.

The transaction is expected to close in 2027.

"Together with Kroger, we will be well-positioned to advance our strategy and deliver better quality and service, better everyday value, and a better shopping experience for our customers, while providing greater growth opportunities for our dedicated Team Members," said Giant Eagle CEO Bill Artman.

Kroger is nation's largest supermarket chain

Kroger operates nearly 2,700 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The retailer operates stores under the Kroger banner name as well as Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Dillons, King Soopers, Mariano's, Fry's, QFC and others.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kroger buys Giant Eagle supermarket chain in $1.65B deal

Reporting by David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

A Giant Eagle store in Pennsylvania. The chain will sell some of its stores as part of a deal to be purchased by Kroger.
A Giant Eagle store in Pennsylvania. The chain will sell some of its stores as part of a deal to be purchased by Kroger. ERIE TIMES-NEWS FILE USA TODAY Network, Reuters

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 6:36 AM.

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