The Empire Company history

In 1950 a new 30,000-kilowatt turbo-generator went on line at the Riverton facility.

Empire Company Limited was incorporated on February 12, 1963.

One of the generators was reengineered to add 7,000 kilowatts and a new 12,000-kilowatt combined-cycle gas turbine generator was put in operation in 1964.

Empire Company issues its first annual report, January 31, 1971.

To make up for some of this loss in capacity, Empire added a 90-megawatt combustion turbine peaking unit near LaRussell, Missouri, in 1978.

In January 1982, Empire shares split on a 2.5 for 1 basis.

December 1985 marked the death of Frank H Sobey.

January 1986, Empire shares split on a two for one basis.

In June 1987, Empire purchases the outstanding public float of Sobey Stores Limited, making it a 100% subsidiary of Empire.

In May 1989, William M. Sobey, the eldest son of Frank H. Sobey, passed away.

In December 1993, the real estate division increases it ownership of Halifax Developments Limited to 100% from 36% at a cost of $12.7 million.

In December 1998, after acquiring the Oshawa Group for $1.5 billion, Sobeys Inc. became a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with Empire owning a 62% interest in Sobeys.

In February 1999, Empire issues 2 million Non-Voting Class A shares for $58 million.

In March 2000, Empire repurchases 5.5 million of its Non-Voting Class A shares for $187 million.

2001 EDE Holdings, Inc. is formed for nonregulated businesses.

In March 2002, Sobeys sells its Serca Foodservice operation to SYSCO for $411 million.

In June 2005, Wajax converts to an income trust.

In March 2006, Crombie REIT completes its initial public offering.

In April 2008, Empire sells 61 properties for $428.5 million to Crombie REIT.

Sobeys completed the first year of the FreshCo discount banner in Ontario with a network of 57 stores in operation by year-end and more to come in fiscal 2012.

In March 2015, Sobeys becomes the first Canadian grocer to issue AIR MILES reward miles across Canada.

In December 2018, Empire acquired Farm Boy – one of the most exciting, fastest growing and successful food retailers in Canada – for a total purchase price of $800 million.