Discount grocer Aldi has confirmed it is in the “initial stages” of expanding its US operations into California.
The company is in discussions to potentially locate a warehouse in Moreno Valley and is “developing plans to expand in southern California”, Aldi said yesterday (24 June).
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Aldi emphasised it has expanded its US base “without merger or acquisition”, adding an average of 80 new stores a year “over the last several years”. The company operates more than 1,200 stores in the US, covering two-thirds of the country.
The move comes as UK grocer Tesco seeks a buyer for its Fresh & Easy operations in the region. The company is exiting the US, having struggled to turn a profit in the market.
This month, it was reported US billionaire investor Ron Burkle was in discussions to buy Fresh & Easy.
Bloomberg cited anonymous sources who said the two sides were in talks. Burkle, founder and managing partner of US investment fund Yucaipa Cos., wants to rebrand the Fresh & Easy outlets under the Wild Oats banner, the report said
