SUNBURY, PA - Weis Markets is acquiring five Mars Super Markets grocery stores, more than doubling the retailer’s footprint in Baltimore County. While the sale price was not disclosed, it's expected to close in late July, with the properties converting to Weis stores in August.

Rosedale-based Mars, a family-owned independent grocer founded in 1943, currently runs 13 Baltimore-area stores, but has yet to announce plans for its remaining eight locations.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Weis’ Chief Operating Officer, Kurt Schertle said the five stores being added to the company repertoire are well-run and successful, making it a sensible purchase for the also family-owned independent chain.

Weis, which first entered Maryland with a Hagerstown store in 1967, has been known to expand methodically through acquisitions in Maryland. "We've been working on growing our footprint in Maryland, and specifically the Baltimore region, for years now, and we've always been an admirer of Mars," Schertle added. "They run a nice, local business. We thought for a while it would be a good opportunity. It turned out this happened to be the right time."

Chris D'Anna, Mars’ Chairman and CEO also shared Schertle’s sentiments in his own statement, saying, ”As a family-owned business, we recognize Weis Markets as a company with a similar commitment to its communities, customers, and associates. This was an extremely important consideration in our decision."

At the five stores to be sold, Mars currently employs 400 workers, both full-time and part-time. According to the Baltimore Sun, Weis officials visited the Mars stores on Tuesday to schedule interviews to potentially rehire those workers.

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