One family-owned regional grocery chain is buying part of another.

Niemann Foods of Quincy Illinois announced Monday that it has agreed to
buy Hickman’s IGA stores in Bowling Green, Mexico, Vandalia and
Winfield.

In addition, a Niemann official said that the company is still as
committed as ever to opening a store in Louisiana. A Louisiana couple
has just announced separate plans to open a grocery
downtown later this week.

Terms of the four-store deal between Niemann and Hickman’s were not
disclosed, but the sites will remain under the IGA brand during the
transfer of ownership, which should happen by April
First.

Niemann officials plan to meet this week with employees of the four
stores, and the company says renovations are planned at the locations.

The deal does not include the site of the first Hickman’s store in Perry or the store in Paris.

Hickman’s was founded in 1959 by the parents of the current owners and is based in Mexico.

Niemann Foods was founded in 1917 by two brothers and is still in the
family. It operates almost 100 supermarkets, convenience centers, pet
shops and hardware stores in Illinois, Missouri
and Iowa.

Officials said the sale is a good fit for both companies and for the communities served.