Ahold Delhaize is putting money behind its promise to boost its omni-channel presence in the US.
The Dutch supermarket conglomerate has entered into an agreement, along with private investment firm Centerbridge Partners, to acquire New York City-based online grocer FreshDirect for an undisclosed sum. Ahold Delhaize will acquire the majority share, funded by cash on hand, and Centerbridge will be a minority equity investor with a 20 per cent stake.
Launched in 2002 and headquartered in Bronx, New York, FreshDirect delivers fresh food groceries directly to customers throughout seven states, including the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, and the District of Columbia. The company recently launched two-hour delivery in the Washington, D.C., metro area, using Fabric robotic micro-fulfilment technology.
In addition, FreshDirect’s e-commerce platform enables customer ordering, from picking through packing to last mile delivery, including the ability to provide same-day and rush delivery.
“FreshDirect is a leading local brand in the fast-growing online grocery sector in the New York City metro area, one of the most important e-commerce food markets in the US,” said Frans Muller, Ahold Delhaize CEO. “This acquisition further propels our omni-channel evolution. The deal allows us to reach additional customers in the New York trade area and therefore will add incremental sales to the business. It further enables us to address customers’ growing preference for convenient ways to shop.”
