Rouses Buys LeBlanc’s Food Stores

Rouses Markets is acquiring the stores of another family-run grocer based in Louisiana, LeBlanc’s Food Stores. The deal is expected to close later this month, bringing the total number of Rouses Markets to 54, with all of the acquired stores to be converted to the Rouses banner.

 According to the Rouse family, the acquisition has been in the works for some time. “This really is a perfect fit,” noted Donny Rouse, managing partner of Thibodaux, La.-based Rouses Markets. “We share very similar values. We have both built our businesses on quality, selection, service and low prices. We are both strong community supporters. We are both dedicated to buying local and supporting local fishermen and farmers.”

LeBlanc’s has nine stores, five of which operate under Frais Marche banner in Baton Rouge, Zachary, Duplessis, Gonzales and Prairieville, La., and four LeBlanc’s locations in Donaldsonville, Hammond, Plaquemine and Plattenville, La.  L.C. LeBlanc opened his first store in Gonzales in 1961, and his sons, Marcy and Randy, have helped grow the company into one of the largest independent grocers in Louisiana. 

“We both want to thank all of our current and past employees for their contributions to the success of LeBlanc’s,” Marcy and Randy said in a statement. “Without you, none of this would have been possible. The continued success of the supermarket operations we built are now with an established company well positioned to compete in a competitive retail environment.”

 “This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone to work together and learn from one another,” added Rouse.  “I know LeBlanc’s associates will appreciate the level of training we offer, and the commitment we make to our team members and community.”

Founded 66 years ago by Anthony J. Rouse Sr., Donny Rouse’s grandfather, Rouses has tripled in size in the past decade, due to an aggressive expansion strategy that included new stores in south Louisiana and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and lower Alabama.

The Food Partners, a national investment banking firm based in Bethesda, Md., advised Rouses and LeBlanc’s on the transaction, which comes a little more than a month after Rouses opened its first Baton Rouge store.