Empire acquires Mayrand

Empire Company Limited has announced it will acquire Mayrand Food Group Inc., expanding its presence in the Québec food retail market. The acquisition secures Empire's entry into the discount and warehouse food sector in the region, comprising four large-format Mayrand store locations in the Greater Montréal Area—namely Anjou, Laval, Brossard, and Saint-Jérôme. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The deal is proceeding through a court-approved process and is contingent upon standard closing conditions, including both court and regulatory approvals. The transaction is anticipated to conclude in the first quarter of Empire's fiscal year 2027.

Incorporated over 110 years ago, Mayrand Food Group is recognized for its wide product range and strong consumer and foodservice relationships across Québec. Luc L’Archevêque, Empire's Chief Customer Officer, expressed that the acquisition will allow Mayrand to leverage Empire’s operational scale while preserving its established brand identity. Empire plans to retain the Mayrand banner, supporting it with enhanced merchandising, logistics, and real estate capabilities.

This acquisition strategically positions Empire in a growing market segment that caters both to household consumers and foodservice operators. Mayrand's business model, characterized by its large-format stores and extensive product offerings, is considered complementary to Empire's existing operations. Through Sobeys Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, Empire seeks to augment its market share by integrating Mayrand's offerings, thereby strengthening its competitive stance in Québec—a region marked by distinct retail dynamics due to its demographic and cultural considerations.

The sector is experiencing shifts as retailers are compelled to adjust to evolving consumer preferences and economic conditions. Empire’s acquisition of Mayrand reflects broader consolidation trends in the food retail sector as companies vie for efficiency gains and expanded market reach.

Looking ahead, Empire must navigate the regulatory landscape to secure transaction completion. Maintaining stability for Mayrand’s approximately 300 employees and alignment with suppliers and partners will be essential as Empire integrates this new acquisition into its portfolio. Completion of this deal is dependent on obtaining the necessary legal and regulatory approvals, marking the key next steps in its finalization process.