Niemann Foods Buys Covington Foods Six County Markets

Niemann Foods is purchasing all six County Market locations owned by Covington Foods and will continue to operate them under the County Markets banner with no changes planned, according to Gerry Kettler, director of consumer affairs for the Quincy, Ill.-based Niemann Foods.

"We are pleased to build on the Covington Foods tradition of quality products and great customer service," said Rich Niemann Jr., president and CEO of Niemann Foods.

President Gary Peacock said the time was right for the sale of the family-owned company that had operated stores for 56 years. “I am confident that Niemann Foods will provide our customers a great shopping experience, our associates stability and growth opportunities and our communities modern and updated stores. These stores will have a bright future,” Peacock said.

The sale is expected to be completed by Jan. 7.

With the acquisition, Niemann Foods will have its first stores in Indiana as Covington Foods operates locations in Crawfordsville, Covington and Attica, Ind., as well as two in Danville, Ill., and one in Tilton, Ill. Niemann Foods currently operates more than 100 locations under the County Market, Save-A-Lot, County Market Express, Piccadilly, Pet Supplies Plus and Ace Hardware banners in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.