Aldi, the German-based grocery chain with a cult following, is acquiring the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket chains, according to a statement released today.

Winn-Dixie and Harveys 400 locations across the southeast, including almost 40 Winn-Dixie stores in Alabama. The acquisition also covers locations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Harveys operates stores in Georgia and Florida.

“Like ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast and we look forward to serving them in the years to come,”  Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI said in a statement. “The time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the southeast save on their grocery bills.

“The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States, including plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end.,” he added.

According to the statement, some of the stores will be converted to Aldi’s locations while others will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys. The locations that will be changed have not been announced.

“ALDI will operate Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores with the same level of care and focus on quality and service, as we also evaluate which locations will convert to the ALDI format to better support the neighborhoods we’ll now have the privilege of serving,” Hart said.

Aldi currently operates its 26th regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley with plans to open 20 new Aldi-brand stores in the southeast by the end of the year.