Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. Acquires Two Licensed Stores in California

Rhea-AI Summary

Sprouts Farmers Market (Nasdaq: SFM) has acquired two independently owned stores in Chula Vista, California, that operated under its brand name. This acquisition grants the company full control over the stores, enhancing its presence in the San Diego market and allowing for further expansion opportunities in Southern California. The stores were not included in the company’s previous financial outlook. The acquisition follows a long-standing trademark license arrangement with a third-party operator, marking a unique development as no other licensed Sprouts stores exist. CFO Chip Molloy emphasizes the strategic significance of these stores for serving more customers.

Positive

• Acquisition enhances control over the Sprouts brand.
• Opens expansion opportunities in Southern California.
• Strengthens market presence in the San Diego area.

Negative

• None.

PHOENIX, March 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFM) today announces that it has acquired two independently owned stores in Chula Vista, California, operating under the Sprouts Farmers Market name pursuant to a legacy trademark license arrangement.

Acquiring these stores will allow complete control of the Sprouts brand and open further expansion possibilities in Southern California. The Company licensed the Sprouts Farmers Market trademark to a third-party operator many years ago in a one-of-a-kind operating structure. No other licensed Sprouts stores exist. “We are pleased to bring these two high-volume stores into the Sprouts fold, allowing us to serve more customers in the San Diego market,” said Chip Molloy, chief financial officer of Sprouts Farmers Market. The stores were not factored in its outlook, released on March 2, 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements to the effect that Sprouts Farmers Market or its management "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "expects," or "believes," or the negative of these terms and other similar expressions) should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the company’s outlook, growth, opportunities and long-term strategy. These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this release. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company’s ability to execute on its long-term strategy; the company’s ability to successfully compete in its competitive industry; the company’s ability to successfully open new stores; the company’s ability to manage its growth; the company’s ability to maintain or improve its operating margins; the company’s ability to identify and react to trends in consumer preferences; product supply disruptions; equipment supply disruptions; general economic conditions; accounting standard changes; and other factors as set forth from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, without limitation, the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The company intends these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of this release and does not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available, except as required by law.

Corporate Profile
True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest-growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 380 stores in 23 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com.

Investor Contact: Susannah Livingston (602) 682-1584 susannahlivingston@sprouts.com

Media Contact: media@sprouts.com

FAQ

What is the significance of Sprouts Farmers Market's acquisition of stores in Chula Vista?

The acquisition allows Sprouts to gain full control over its brand and enhances its presence in Southern California, opening up more expansion opportunities.

How many stores did Sprouts Farmers Market acquire in Chula Vista?

Sprouts Farmers Market acquired two independently owned stores in Chula Vista, California.

Was the Chula Vista store acquisition included in Sprouts Farmers Market's financial outlook?

No, the stores acquired were not factored into the company's outlook released on March 2, 2023.

What impact does the acquisition have on Sprouts Farmers Market's market strategy?

The acquisition enhances Sprouts' ability to serve more customers and expands its strategic footprint in the competitive Southern California market.