Empire Co Ltd. (EMP.A)

Overview

Empire Company Limited is a significant player in Canada's food retail sector, engaged in a broad spectrum of activities that span food retailing to real estate. Founded in 1907 and based in Stellarton, Canada, the company has grown to manage an extensive network of subsidiaries. Its operations are divided into two main segments: Food Retailing, where it is primarily involved in the operation and franchise of various retail stores across Canada; and Investments and Other Operations, focusing on real estate investments and developments. Empire Company Limited's expansive footprint in the food retail industry is complemented by its strategic interests in real estate through the Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust and partnerships with Genstar, enhancing its position not just in retail but also in the development of key real estate assets across North America.

Products and Services

• Food Retailing:

Empire Company Limited operates a diverse portfolio of retail brands, including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, Farm Boy, Longo's, and Lawtons Drugs. These retail banners cater to a wide array of customer needs, from daily groceries to pharmacy services, across various regions in Canada. The company's presence in the food retailing segment is deepened through its online e-commerce platforms, such as Voilà, Grocery Gateway, IGA.net, and ThriftyFoods.com, offering customers an accessible, efficient, and comprehensive grocery shopping experience from the comfort of their homes.

• Real Estate Investments:

Empire Company Limited holds a significant interest in Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust, underscoring its strategic engagement in the real estate sector. Crombie REIT focuses on owning, operating, and developing a diversified portfolio that includes grocery and pharmacy-anchored shopping centers, standalone retail stores, and mixed-use developments primarily across Canada. This allows Empire to not only anchor its retail operations in strategic locations but also to capitalize on the value and growth potential of Canadian real estate markets. Additionally, Empire has equity accounted interests in Genstar partnerships, which are instrumental in developing residential real estate properties in key markets across Ontario, Western Canada, and the United States, further diversifying the company's investment portfolio and revenue streams.