US grocery distributor Unified Western Grocers looks set to snap up Seattle-based food wholesaler Associated Grocers (AG).

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The two companies have signed a letter of understanding on the deal, which they expect to seal in a matter of months. No financial terms were disclosed.


Unified president and CEO Alfred Plamann said the deal would benefit both parties. He said: “Both companies are structured as cooperatives, both have a long history of successfully serving and supporting the growth of independent grocery retailers throughout the Pacific Northwest and both organizations and their shareholders can greatly benefit from the efficiencies and synergies that will result from a combination of these two companies.”


AG, founded in 1934, provides food to stores throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific Rim.


President and CEO John Runyan said: “Combining AG’s and Unified’s strengths will create a very competitive grocery industry force for independents in the Western United States.”

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