Country Grocer acquires 49th Parallel Grocery

Country Grocer is acquiring 49th Parallel Grocery Group of Companies and its four locations in Ladysmith, Chemainus, Cedar and Duncan, B.C.

The deal unifies the two grocery retailers, which combined will operate 11 locations across Vancouver Island under Country Grocer ownership. 

49th Parallel said the deal is part of the succession plan for the company’s shareholders, the Richmond family.

“The Richmond family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our loyal communities where we operate, and to the entire 49th Parallel Grocery team for their enduring commitment to quality and service over the past [46] years,” said Peter Richmond, president & CFO of 49th Parallel Grocery, in a statement. “We are delighted to see the business become part of a bigger, multi-generational, family operated grocery business with similar family and community values as 49th Parallel Grocery. Country Grocer is the ideal ownership group to keep the independent voice alive and well here on Vancouver Island.”

Like the Richmond family, Country Grocer had its humble beginnings in 1984 on Vancouver Island, and is operated by a multi-generational ownership team.

“Country Grocer is extremely excited about this acquisition, and we look forward to working with everyone on the 49th Parallel team,” stated Wally Large, co-founder of Country Grocer. “Our ownership team has an incredible amount of respect for the Richmond family and the amazing job they have done serving the communities that they operate in.”