Strack and Van Til Acquires WiseWay, PayLow

Strack and Van Til Supermarkets has acquired seven WiseWay and PayLow stores in Northwest Indiana.

The WiseWay stores will be converted to Strack & Van Til stores and the PayLows will change to Ultra Food stores, according to a joint press release.

“We are excited about this acquisition and having the WiseWay associates join our family,” said David Wilkinson, president of Strack and Van Til. “WiseWay is a locally owned company that has been an integral part of the communities they serve.”

Founded in 1940 in Gary, Ind., WiseWay operates eight stores under the WiseWay and PayLow banners; it will continue to operate its Winfield, Ill., store under the WiseWay name. Strack & Van Til operates 30 stores in the Chicago metro and Northwest Indiana market.

“I am pleased that Strack & Van Til is acquiring the stores,” said Don Weiss, president of WiseWay Supermarkets. “Strack’s corporate culture parallels the way we do business. They are a local company that has a commitment to the communities we serve in Northwest Indiana. A major concern of our family was for our associates who have been very loyal to us over the years. Strack and Van Til will be able to provide our associates with greater employment opportunities, job security and potential for advancement within their larger organization.”

Both companies are supplied by Joliet, Ill.-based Central Grocers Inc.