Sobeys parent company Empire to acquire Québec food retailer Mayrand

A Sobeys grocery store is seen in Halifax on September 11, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

STELLARTON — Empire Co. Ltd. says it is moving to acquire Québec-based food retailer Mayrand Food Group Inc.

The grocer says the acquisition provides Empire with a strategic entry into the Québec discount and warehouse food market, which is a growing segment among households and food service operators.

It intends to maintain the Mayrand banner after completing the acquisition, and says it will ensure continuity for the Québec grocer’s workforce.

Empire’s chief customer officer Luc L’Archevêque says the transaction will allow the Mayrand brand to continue serving customers and communities.

Mayrand has four large-format stores across the Greater Montréal Area.

Empire says the transaction is pending court and regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2026.