Is Dollar General owned by Walmart?

Answered by Tom Adger

Dollar General is not owned by Walmart. Despite being a popular discount retailer, Dollar General operates independently of Walmart and is not owned by the company. In fact, Dollar General is not owned by any specific large grocery chain. Instead, it is owned by private equity investors.

Dollar General’s ownership structure has evolved over the years. The company was originally founded as a family-owned business by J.L. Turner and his son, Cal Turner Sr., in 1939. However, as the company grew and expanded its operations, it attracted the attention of private equity investors.

Currently, Dollar General is owned by a consortium of private equity firms. This consortium includes prominent investors such as Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), Citigroup Private Equity, and GS Capital Partners. These investors hold a significant stake in the company and play a role in its strategic decisions and growth plans.

It is worth noting that Dollar General and Walmart are competitors in the retail industry. Both companies operate in the discount retail segment, offering a wide range of products at affordable prices. However, they have separate ownership structures and operate as distinct entities.

In terms of their business models, Dollar General focuses on small-format stores located in rural and suburban areas, catering to customers who may not have easy access to larger retail outlets. On the other hand, Walmart operates a variety of store formats, including supercenters, neighborhood markets, and online platforms.

While Dollar General and Walmart may compete for customers and market share, they are separate entities with different ownership structures and business strategies. It is important to recognize the distinctions between these two retailers when considering their ownership and operations.

To summarize, Dollar General is not owned by Walmart or any specific large grocery chain. Instead, it is owned by private equity investors, including KKR, Citigroup Private Equity, and GS Capital Partners. The company has a rich history as a family-owned business and has grown into a successful discount retailer serving customers across the United States.