Buehler’s Fresh Foods Acquiring 3 Sander’s Markets Stores in Ohio
by Bridget Goldschmidt, Progressive Grocer Oct 19, 2026
Buehler’s Fresh Foods has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire three Sander’s Markets grocery stores in Ohio, subject to the terms of the agreement and completion of the transaction. The deal marks a major step in Buehler’s growth strategy, providing an opportunity for the independent grocer to grow its business, build on established customer relationships and bolster its presence in its home state.
Buehler’s will also welcome the Sander’s Markets team into its employee-owned company structure. Employees meeting eligibility requirements can become part owners of Buehler’s, sharing directly in its success and future growth.
“This announcement is about much more than three stores or additional sales. It is about people,” Buehler’s President and CEO Mike Davidson noted. “Buehler’s has been employee-owned since 2017, and our ESOP is an important part of who we are. We are excited to welcome the Sanders employees into our employee-ownership family. Because we are employee-owned, every employee’s contribution truly matters. We are committed to working together to make this transition as comfortable and familiar as possible for our new team members, customers and communities. We are excited about our future together.”
Buehler’s plans to retain the Sanders banner for the immediate future and will take a thoughtful approach to the transition.
“At Buehler’s, our philosophy is putting people first and always striving to be better,” Davidson continued. “We respect what the Sanders team has built and want to learn from their experience as we work together to identify opportunities to strengthen the stores. At the appropriate time, we expect to make investments that improve store operations and provide additional services to customers.”
“This is definitely a bittersweet moment for our family and for me personally,” said Mark Sanders, co-owner of North East, Pa.-based Sander’s Markets. “We’ve been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of people over the years, and that’s what I’ll miss the most. While change is never easy, we’re excited for the opportunities this creates for our employees and the communities we serve. Knowing our team will remain in place and can become owners themselves gives us a lot of confidence in the future. We’re looking forward to watching them grow and succeed as part of the Buehler’s family.”
Sanders still has locations in Corry, Franklin and North East, Pa., as well as Salamanca, N.Y. The stores being acquired by Buehler’s are in Cadiz, Carrollton and Jefferson, Ohio.
The Food Partners served as strategic and financial advisor to Buehler’s in its acquisition of the Ohio Sander’s stores. Further information regarding the transition will be revealed as details are confirmed, according to the companies.
Buehler’s Fresh Foods is a 100% employee-owned grocery retailer based in Wooster, Ohio. The company currently operates 14 stores throughout the state. It was named one of Progressive Grocer’s Outstanding Independents for 2026.
Read the full article at Progressive Grocer: https://progressivegrocer.com/buehlers-fresh-foods-acquiring-3-sanders-markets-stores-ohio
