When news broke yesterday that United Supermarkets was selling to Albertson's, people in Lubbock and in West Texas expressed themselves on social media. Though United says nothing will change, there are many who either don't believe it or are saddened by the news. According to KFYO News, United will operate as a separate business under Albertson's.

United Supermarkets, now known as The United Family, will be sold to Albertson’s.

A press release from The United Family states that once the transaction is completed, United will operate as a separate business unit under Albertson’s LLC’s corporate structure.

The transaction will be finalized in October.

Robert Taylor, United Supermarkets CEO, will reportedly continue to lead the company as president of the United subsidiary.

A source in The United Family corporate office says that United’s brands will stay intact, and they do not anticipate any changes in employment numbers.

The United brands that will stay intact include United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, and United Express Fuels.

The press release from United has been included below.

(LUBBOCK, Texas) — United Supermarkets, LLC, d.b.a. The United Family™ (United) announced today that it has agreed to be acquired by Albertson’s LLC, which currently operates more than 600 locations in 16 states. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

United has been family-owned since its founding in 1916 and retains deep community roots in Lubbock, Texas, where it is based, as well as the 29 other communities it serves. United currently operates 50 traditional, specialty and Hispanic  grocery stores under its United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos banners, and 7 convenience stores and 26 fuel centers under its United Express banner. United also operates two divisions, R.C. Taylor Distributing and Praters, and one wholly owned subsidiary, Llano Logistics, which operates the company’s two distribution centers in Lubbock and Roanoke, Texas.

Matt Bumstead, United Co-President and ownership family member, said, “We are grateful for and humbled by the 97 years we have had to be a part of United’s mission of service. With this ownership transition, we see a chance for United’s impact and legacy to grow for decades to come. With the strength and stability they (Albertson’s LLC) have to offer our team members, we believe that this new ownership, working with our world-class team, can take United’s vision and mission to places and levels previously beyond our reach. Our deepest thanks go out to all who have supported United and our family throughout the years. We believe United’s best days are all ahead.”

Upon completion of the transaction, United will operate as a separate business unit under Albertson’s LLC’s corporate structure. Robert Taylor, United’s CEO, will continue to lead the company as president of the United subsidiary, reporting directly to Bob Miller, CEO of Albertson’s LLC.

Taylor commented, “We are all very excited to be joining the Albertson’s family, which will provide us tremendous opportunities to invest in our stores and grow.  We will continue to make decisions locally, consistent with Albertson’s LLC’s decentralized structure, and faithfully maintain our unwavering commitment to our Texas communities, guests and team members. It affords a real growth opportunity for our team members, all of our retail banners, our support units, and our Distribution Centers.”

Said Bob Miller, “Over the past 97 years, the United family and leadership team have done a tremendous job in establishing and perpetuating a remarkable culture of service and commitment to fresh, quality foods throughout their stores.  Their commitment to community is unparalleled.  Our team feels there is an exceptional opportunity to invest in and grow their brands.”

The transaction is expected to be complete by the end of October, subject to customary government approvals.

Albertson’s has issued a press release on the acquisition here.

We’ll bring you more on this story as it develops.

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