Negotiations are ongoing for Portage Lakes IGA to be sold to Buehler’s Fresh Foods, both companies said in a news release today.
It is believed to be Buehler’s first foray into Summit County.
Buehler’s is owned and operated by E&H Family group with stores in Wooster, Orrville, Wadsworth, Medina, Brunswick, Ashland, New Philadelphia, Dover, Jackson Township, Delaware and Cosocton.
The company also owns and operates Ace Hardware stores in New Philadelphia, Dover, Orrville, Delaware, Medina, Jackson Township, Independence, Rocky River, Westlake, Middlefield and this summer, Oberlin.
A formal announcement is expected in August, Wooster-based Buehler’s said.
“Our focus is on customers and the assurance that they continue to receive the same service and products they have come to expect at Portage Lakes IGA,” Bob Buehler, vice president of marketing and merchandising for Buehler’s, said in the release.
Bill Anthony, owner of Portage Lakes IGA, said “customers will see no changes in the store’s hours or offerings while the sale of our store to Buehler’s is being finalized.”
Dan Shanahan, chief operating officer for Buehler’s said in the release that he expects the deal to conclude with a closing at the end of July. Buehler’s will be meeting with all Portage Lakes IGA employees next week. An announcement was made today.
No further details on the transaction were immediately available.
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blinfisher and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty.