C&S Wholesale Grocers Pursues $400M Loan to Support SpartanNash Acquisition

C&S SpartanNash Loan Aims to Fund $1.77B Deal

C&S Wholesale Grocers is pursuing a C&S SpartanNash loan worth $400 million to help finance its $1.77 billion SpartanNash acquisition. This strategic move follows a definitive agreement signed in June to merge operations and expand national reach.

The proposed leveraged loan aims to support long-term growth and overcome current industry challenges, including high operating costs and slowing retail momentum.

Loan Offer Details and Timeline

The five-year loan sale is now open to potential investors. C&S held a lender call on July 23, with final offers due by August 5. Wells Fargo & Co. is managing the transaction.

Reports from Bloomberg indicate more than 50 loan offerings are in circulation this week, possibly increasing market competition. C&S declined to confirm specifics, citing company policy on financial disclosures.

Despite the uncertainty, the loan could play a critical role in the success of the upcoming merger.

Merger Expands Distribution and Retail Presence

The deal between C&S and SpartanNash will combine more than 200 grocery stores and nearly 60 distribution centers. This merger positions the company for broader national coverage and stronger wholesale capabilities.

C&S CEO Eric Winn emphasized the strategic value of the integration. “Our industry is facing critical challenges,” he said. “Diversifying our footprint will support long-term, sustainable success.”

Winn’s comments reflect C&S’s goal to remain competitive amid rising costs and shifting consumer behavior.

C&S Active in Industry Consolidation

The C&S SpartanNash loan follows a busy year for the wholesaler. Earlier in 2025, C&S joined a group of investors to acquire Southeastern Grocers, including the Winn-Dixie and Harveys banners.

In addition, the company had prepared to buy 579 stores from Albertsons and Kroger. That deal aimed to address antitrust issues in their merger, but regulators blocked it.

Afterward, C&S filed a lawsuit against Kroger, claiming the retailer failed to pay a $125 million termination fee. This legal battle adds more complexity to the company’s recent financial moves.

Strategic Focus and Industry Outlook

With the SpartanNash acquisition underway, C&S appears focused on expanding its supply chain network and customer base. The loan, if successful, will help fuel this major shift.

Industry analysts view the merger as a sign of growing consolidation in grocery and wholesale markets. As more companies struggle with operational costs, large-scale deals may offer a path to stability.

The C&S SpartanNash loan represents a major financing effort that could shape the grocery landscape through 2025 and beyond.