Basha’s Acquired: Meet Their New Owner

Bashas’ Family of Stores announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Raley’s Holding Company, an independent regional grocer based in California. The agreement brings together two leading grocers with rich legacies and shared values: employee achievement, exceptional customer service, and a deep commitment to local communities.

Raley’s Holding Company is a private, family-owned grocery company founded in 1935 and headquartered in West Sacramento, CA. Raley’s operates 124 stores in northern California and Nevada across four banners: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, and Raley’s O-N-E Market. In addition, Raley’s Holding Company includes closely associated Apium Logistics as well as a digital subscription, technology company. Raley’s is known for its high-quality, affordable products, personalized service, and commitment to making healthy foods more accessible to everyone. The organization has approximately 13,000 employees across California and Nevada. Raley’s also has a rich history of supporting their team members and the communities they serve. The company operates its own non-profit, Raley’s Food for Families, which has provided millions of meals to families in need.

In a joint video presentation earlier today, Edward “Trey” Basha, president and chief executive officer of Bashas’, and Keith Knopf, president and chief executive officer of Raley’s Holding Company, informed Bashas’ members that Bashas’ store banners, employment, and operations across Arizona will continue without change or interruption.

Trey, who is also the grandson of the company’s co-founder, said, “Today’s announcement represents the beginning of Bashas’ next, exciting chapter as a fully formed operating company within the larger Raley’s enterprise. In Raley’s we will have a partner who will ensure we continue delivering exceptional customer and member experiences at a time when regional grocery competition has never been tougher – while staying true to the values that have shaped our history over 90 years.”

Trey continued, “Customers, members, and local Arizona communities will also benefit from the seamless alignment of culture and values that we share with Raley’s. While the Basha family will no longer have ownership roles, we look forward to seeing the business thrive for generations to come.”

“Today marks an important milestone in the ongoing legacy of two great companies. We are humbled to assume stewardship of the Bashas’ organization. Raley’s history of respecting the legacy of the brands we acquire assures continuity for Bashas’ customers, employees, and business partners and, on behalf of our 13,000 employees, I want to welcome Bashas’ team members to our organization,” said Keith Knopf. “The Bashas’ company is strong and well-positioned in the market. We are confident that with our robust digital capabilities and combined purchasing power, we can further enhance the overall customer experience.”

Highlights of the agreement:

• Bashas’ will continue to serve customers across Arizona and New Mexico and its Tribal Nation Partners, including the Navajo Nation, White Mountain Apache, San Carlos Apache, and Tohono O’odham.
• Bashas’ will be a fully formed operating company within the Raley’s enterprise and will maintain its corporate headquarters, stores, and distribution center in Arizona.
• The transaction will protect the store banners customers know and love with no changes to local store leadership.
• There are no planned changes to employee roles, compensation, or benefits as a result of the transaction.

In this transaction, The Food Partners served as strategic and financial advisor to Raley’s, and Snell & Wilmer served as legal counsel to Raley’s. Citi served as a strategic and financial advisor, and Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. served as lead legal counsel for Bashas’. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2021.

Bashas’ Family of Stores – the family-owned grocer that operates Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and both Bashas’ and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets – is an Arizona-based company founded by brothers Ike and Eddie Bashas, Sr. With more than 100 grocery stores, it is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work in Arizona. Since the company’s inception in 1932, Bashas’ has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves.