Most consumers in the US have often connected Meijer stores as part of the Kroger stores.
As a result, most people ask, does Meijer own Kroger? I have conducted in-depth research on the matter, and here’s all you need to know!
Does Meijer Own Kroger In 2024?
Meijer does not own Kroger since they are separate companies competing within the same market as of 2024. Generally, Meijer is one of the largest privately-owned grocery chains in the US, while Kroger is recognized as the largest grocery chain and the second-largest retailer after Walmart. Therefore, the companies are owned and operated separately as distinct entities.
If you want to get more information about the ownership of Meijer and Kroger, the similarities and differences of the two stores, and much more, keep reading!
Is Meijer Part Of Kroger?
No, Meijer is not part of Kroger, but both stores operate as different companies.
Understandably, most consumers often think Meijer is part of Kroger because Kroger owns many stores under the name “Meyer,” i.e., Fred Meyer.
However, it is essential to note that although Meyer and Meijer are pronounced the same, the two are unrelated companies.
Founded in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer, Meijer is a supercenter chain currently recognized as one of the largest privately-owned companies in the US.
Moreover, the company has its headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI, and operates more than 240 grocery stores and supermarkets in six states, namely:
- Michigan
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
On the other hand, Kroger is a retail company with headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, and has more than 2,800 stores across the United States.
Who Owns Kroger?
Kroger is a publicly-owned company trading as NYSE: KR on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Therefore, the company’s ownership is distributed among public shareholders through trades of shares or stock-on-stock exchange.
Still, Kroger’s top five institutional shareholders include the following:
- Vanguard Group, Inc (The): Owns 10.74% stake with 78,978,401 shares valued at $3,574,562,429.
- Blackrock Inc: Owns 9.94% stake with 73,121,108 shares values at $3,309,461,348.
- Berkshire Hathaway, Inc: Owns 8.35% stake with 61,412,910 shares valued at $2,779,548,306.
- State Street Corporation: Owns 5.06% stake with 37,186,340 shares valued at $1,683,053,748.
- Renaissance Technologies, LLC: Owns 2.40% stake with 17,650,310 shares valued at $798,853,030.
As an umbrella brand, Kroger owns the following stores:
- Kroger
- Gerbes
- Baker’s
- City Market
- Dillons
- Ralphs
- Food 4 Less
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- Fry’s
- Fred Meyer
- Food Co
- QFC
- Pay-Less Super Markets
- Jay C Food Store
Who Currently Owns Meijer?
Meijer is a family-owned private company currently listed as the 13th largest private company in the US by Forbes.
With that, the company is currently owned by brothers Hank and Douglas Meijer, who are estimated to have a net worth of approximately $16.7 billion.
The two brothers, who are grandsons to the founder, took over the company from their father Frederik in 1990.
Is Meijer Cheaper Than Kroger?
According to the pricing analysis conducted by How I Got The Job and Grocery Corridor, Kroger is cheaper than Meijer.
According to the analysis, Kroger has more purchasing power than Meijer because Kroger is older than Meijer.
Therefore, due to the higher purchasing power, Kroger has the financial ability to purchase more products, which narrows down to a more significant profit margin than Meijer’s.
In addition to this, Kroger has more than 2,000 stores to house these numerous products, while Meijer only has 240 stores.
With these factors into consideration, Kroger checks both affordability and proximity on the ideal grocery store checklist.
Still, even though Kroger passes as cheaper than Meijer, Meijer bears more variety of items than Kroger. Therefore, Meijer becomes the ideal shop when customers seek variety.
What Companies Are Owned By Meijer?
Meijer is a proud anchor of different brands that uphold quality without the need to compromise on quality.
Through these brands, Meijer addresses customer-specific needs to maximize customer loyalty. Among the specialty brands include the following:
- Meijer brand: Conveys Meijer’s family pride and heritage through a vast product assortment.
- True Goodness by Meijer: Brings on board taste and quality without compromising flavor, value, and nutrition.
- True Goodness by Meijer Organics: The brand frees customers from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives to enhance the quality of products.
- At Home with Meijer: The brand offers customers functional home solutions that help make lives easier, aesthetically pleasing, and more comfortable.
- False Creek: This brand offers a casual and relaxed fashion style for all family members and strongly emphasizes quality and comfort.
Other great Meijer brands include the following:
- Purple Cow
- Penny Smart
- MTA Sport
- Massini
- Room & Retreat
- Fun Club
- Studio M, Edgar + Ash
- Colorful Planet
- Lake & Trail
To know more about Meijer, you can also read our posts on whether or not Meijer drug test, if Meijer requires membership, and is Meijer unionized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Meijer does not own Kroger since the two are companies that run and operate as two distinct entities.
Still, both companies are grocery stores within the US that serve large masses of people.
While Meijer is privately owned, Kroger is publicly owned, trading with the ticker symbol KR on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
