Hannaford Supermarkets will expand its footprint by purchasing three independent supermarkets in Houlton, Caribou and Calais.

The Scarborough-based grocery chain reached an agreement with Paradis Shop ‘n Save to purchase supermarkets in those eastern Maine locations, according to a release from the company. The sale price was not disclosed.

The Houlton and Caribou locations will become Hannaford-branded supermarkets, both with full-service pharmacies. Hannaford expects to offer employees at those stores positions.

The Paradis family will continue to operate the Calais supermarket on an interim basis, while Hannaford looks for an independent company to operate the store.

The Houlton and Caribou transitions will take place after the formal completion of the deal later this fall, while timing of the Calais transaction has not been determined. Paradis locations in Fort Kent, Madawaska and Brewer are not affected by this agreement.

“Paradis appreciates the opportunity that we have had to serve these communities but the time for us to sell to a great organization like Hannaford is right,” said Craig Paradis, treasurer of Paradis Shop ‘n Save, in the release. “We have enjoyed the many friendships that we have made and wish all the customers and associates well in their new endeavor with their new employer.”

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The Paradis stores are wholesale customers of Hannaford and sell many Hannaford-brand products. Several smaller, independently owned supermarkets that receive merchandise through Hannaford’s wholesale distribution network use the Shop ‘n Save brand.

Owned now by Delhaize America, a subsidiary of Belgian company Delhaize Group, the supermarket chain used to be branded Shop ‘n Save, but assumed the Hannaford brand in 1996.

Founded in Portland in 1883, Hannaford operates 57 stores in Maine and 185 stores in the Northeast. The company employs more than 26,000 people and is Maine’s largest private employer.

This story was updated at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday to correct the number of Hannaford stores in the Northeast.


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