However, the acquisition was immediately plagued by integration issues, slowing sales performance, and high debt loads. The Shifting Strategy: Divestitures vs. Retention
In July 2018, UNFI announced it would acquire Supervalu for $32.50 per share in cash, a move designed to diversify UNFI's dependence on Whole Foods Market and create a giant in both organic and conventional food distribution. The deal, which included $1.3 billion in cash and over $1.6 billion in debt, closed in October 2018, creating a massive entity operating 24 distribution centers. supervalu buyout rumors
As of April 2026, UNFI is firmly focused on a new era of AI-driven logistics, having moved beyond the integration pitfalls that plagued its financial performance for years following the 2018 acquisition. The 2018 "Surprise" Acquisition The deal, which included $1