Canadian Retailer Empire to Acquire Farm Boy

Canadian food retailer Empire Co Ltd announced the acquisition of privately held grocer Farm Boy Inc for a total enterprise value of CAD800m (USD618m), to increase its presence in Ontario.

Empire will acquire Farm Boy from Berkshire Partners, following which it will be set up as a separate company within Empire’s structure.

Farm Boy has an important business segment in the bakery area, their in-store bakery features artisan whole grain sliced breads, traditional European-style baguettes, breakfast croissants, bagels and pastries. They are also operating in the segment of fresh baked-in-store pies, and have lines of products made from scratch. They also carry a selection of gluten-free goodies from local vendors.