Sprouts Farmers Markets to Merge with Phoenix-Based Company

The largest chain of produce stores in San Diego County, now known as Sprouts Farmers Markets, announced today it will merge with Phoenix-based Sunflower Farmers Markets.

Sprouts, which merged last year with its old spin-off chain, Henry's, will grow from 21 stores to more than 150 when the deal is completed. The combined chain will operate under the Sprouts Farmers Markets name.

Sunflower has stores across the southwest and some in Northern California.

The merger will give the stores "more resources, greater access to the freshest products and a stronger commitment than ever to bring you a wide variety of fresh produce and affordable healthful foods," Sprouts CEO Shon Boney and Sunflower CEO Chris Sherrell said in a statement.

The merger is subject to regulatory approval and could take a few months to complete, they said.

Sprouts, formed in Phoenix in 2002, has its roots in the old Boney's and Henry's markets, which were based in San Diego. All the locations now operate under the Sprouts name.

—City News Service