LAKELAND, FL - Publix has made yet another move further into the state of North Carolina.

The Florida-based supermarket retailer has purchased two Lowes Foods locations that had been previously closed down, rounding up the company’s store count in the state to ten in the last twelve months.

“We’ve opened eight stores in North Carolina within the past year, solidifying our commitment to growth within the state,” Ed Crenshaw, CEO of Publix Super Markets, Inc., said in a press release. “As the largest employee-owned supermarket in the nation, our associates are passionate about serving customers, and meeting and exceeding their expectations. Our service- oriented culture is continuing to foster a loyal customer following in North Carolina and across all our market areas.”

While the financial terms were not disclosed, the agreement the two companies reached is expected to come to a close later this month. When the two new locations will open, Publix said, depends on the amount of remodeling.

"As a homegrown grocer serving our guests in the Carolinas since 1954, we continue to be excited about the future of Lowes Foods," Lowes Foods President Tim Lowe, said in the release.

Lowe also commented that the two locations sold to Publix were closed and vacant as part of the company’s strategy for comprehensive growth. Looking forward, Lowe’s Foods plans to build new stores, accelerate investment in the rebranding of existing stores, as well as evaluating strategic opportunities in the market place.