Bi-Lo/Winn-Dixie Parent Files for IPO

In the latest development in a rapidly evolving market, Southeastern Grocers LLC, parent company of the Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie chains, has filed a proposed initial public offering (IPO) of shares of common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering haven’t yet been decided.

The registration statement filed with the SEC hasn’t yet become effective. Until that time, the securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted.

Citigroup, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank Securities are acting as representatives of the underwriters for the offering, and, together with William Blair and Wells Fargo Securities, are acting as joint book-running managers for the IPO. The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus.

Earlier this month, Bi-Lo Holdings entered into an agreement with Charleston, S.C.-based Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. to purchase 22 stores, and struck a deal in which Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets will buy seven Bi-Lo stores in North and South Carolina.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Southeastern Grocers operates 685 supermarkets under the Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Super Bi-Lo and Bi-Lo at the Beach banners in many key metropolitan areas in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.