Alex Lee to Acquire W. Lee Flowers & Co.
HICKORY, NC - Regional grocer Alex Lee has recently announced its acquisition of wholesale and retail grocer, W. Lee Flowers & Co. Headquartered in Scranton, South Carolina, W. Lee Flowers distributes to more than 75 grocery stores in Georgia and the Carolinas, including 50 of its self-owned and operated stores.
“For years, Alex Lee and W. Lee Flowers have worked together in various capacities,” said Brian George, President and CEO of Alex Lee. “Both are known within the industry, and to each other, as dependable, family-owned, values-based businesses that have earned the respect of customers, suppliers, and vendors. Together, we have an opportunity to accelerate our growth in all markets, while continuing to provide exceptional services. W. Lee Flowers and its employees have built invaluable relationships within their local communities that we expect will only solidify as we move forward together.”
The acquisition will allow Alex Lee to expand its geographic footprint, enhance operations in new markets, and provide their customers a greater variety of products at competitive prices, according to a press release. Over more than four decades, W. Lee Flowers has maintained an exceptional reputation for outstanding customer service, value, and convenience. The grocer joins Alex Lee’s family of companies, including Merchants Distributors (MDI), Lowes Foods, and Souto Foods.
“We are thrilled to continue serving our customers and distribution partners within the Alex Lee family of companies,” said Henry Johnson, President, W. Lee Flowers & Co. “Alex Lee shares our longtime commitment to prioritizing customer service and value. With the support of Alex Lee and its fellow subsidiaries, we believe we’re in an ideal position to thrive in a competitive environment.”
W. Lee Flowers will operate as a subsidiary of Alex Lee, while maintaining its current facility in Scranton. Employees of the grocer will be retained, but W. Lee Flowers' longtime executives, William Henry Johnson Jr. and Heyward L. King Jr. will step down after more than 80 years of combined leadership. Rick Geary will take over leadership for W. Lee Flowers.
“While we look to the future with enthusiasm, we also recognize the achievements that have led us to this point,” George said. “Henry Johnson and Heyward King have shepherded the organization their fathers helped build through many decades of growth. They have more than earned our respect and gratitude, as well as a pair of long and happy retirements.”
Keep reading AndNowUKnow for more retail acquisition news.
