Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie/Bi-Lo)

PE-Owned1 Documented Impact

Lone Star Funds acquired the grocery chains via LBO, loaded debt, and failed to invest in stores. Filed Chapter 11 in 2018 with $1B+ in debt. Emerged diminished, eventually sold.

Founded: 1925|Acquired by Lone Star Funds (2005)$3.6 billion
3
locations tracked

Ownership Information

Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie/Bi-Lo) is owned by Lone Star Funds. Private equity ownership often leads to cost-cutting, price increases, and reduced quality of service as firms prioritize returns for investors over customers and employees.Learn more about PE ownership impact →

Timeline

1925

Southeastern Grocers (Winn-Dixie/Bi-Lo) founded

2005

Acquired by Lone Star Funds for $3.6 billion

2018CriticalClosure / Bankruptcy

Lone Star Funds bankrupted Winn-Dixie/Bi-Lo parent with $1B+ in LBO debt

Lone Star Funds loaded debt onto the Southeastern Grocers chain (Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Harveys). Filed Chapter 11 in March 2018 with over $1 billion in debt. ~38,000 workers affected. Emerged diminished and eventually sold.

Winn-Dixie Parent Southeastern Grocers Files Bankruptcy

Jacksonville Business Journal

Before vs. After PE Acquisition

Jobs affected

Reported 2018

Before PE

38,000+ employees

After PE

Bankrupt, sold off

100%

Community Reviews

Share your experience →

Tracked Locations

CA (1)

San Diego

4659 Main St

San Diego, CA 92101

555-236-9910

FL (2)

Orlando

6086 Main St

Orlando, FL 32801

555-381-9039

Orlando

2772 Main St

Orlando, FL 32801

555-972-8164