Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd merge – One of the world’s largest discount chains could merge

One family – two empires

The history of Aldi dates back to 1913, when Anna Albrecht opened her first convenience store in Essen. The company really exploded onto the German retail market under the leadership of Karl and Theo Albrecht after World War II, and then split in the early 1960s: Aldi Süd and Aldi Nord continued on separate paths, with their own regions, business policies and international territories.

One of the most famous – and still unconfirmed – legends of the fratricidal war is that the reason for the breakup was that Karl and Theo could not agree on whether to sell cigarettes in the stores. However, the conflict did not prevent both chains from becoming global players.

Joint holding for international competitiveness

Behind the current plan for the reunification of Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd, there is a clear strategic goal: in an increasingly concentrated global market, only combined forces can effectively expand. The two owner families – the heirs of Aldi’s founders – would create a joint holding company that would represent both branches in equal proportions.

According to press reports, the organizational merger is not expected in 2024, but the decision itself is a milestone: six decades of separation and rivalry could end in favor of an international growth goal.

Aldi around the world – and in Hungary

The two Aldi branches are currently on separate paths worldwide. In the US market, for example, Aldi Nord has expanded by acquiring the Trader Joe’s chain. In Hungary – as in many other European countries – Aldi Süd operates under a unified identity, under the name Hofer in Austria, but with the same logo.

The current merger could also help improve operational efficiency, joint purchasing and the coordination of international campaigns – thereby further strengthening the global position of the Aldi brand.