Supermarket chain Aldi plans to acquire hundreds of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations across the Southern U.S. in a deal that will expand the fast-growing grocer's presence across the region. Germany-based Aldi said in a news release Wednesday that it will take over operations of all Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations — about 400 stores — in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Some locations will be converted to Aldi stores after the acquisition, while others will continue operating as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket grocery stores, according to the release. Nationwide, the company plans to add 120 new stores to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end. The sale of the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations is a part of a larger divestiture by Southeastern Grocers, the chains' parent company.

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Persons: Aldi, Jason Hart, Winn, Anthony Hucker Organizations: Dixie, Southern, Winn, Aldi, Harveys Supermarket, Nationwide, Southeastern Grocers, ALDI Locations: Winn, Southern U.S, Germany, Florida , Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, United States, Florida