Aldi Nord vs Aldi Süd

Two companies created by a sibling rivalry over cigarette sales, and their reunion in the U.S.

1946, the Albrecht brothers' mother's grocery store

Inherited and expanded by Karl & Theo Albrecht · Conflict over cigarette sales around 1960 · Completely separated in 1966

▼ Sibling Split ▼

Theo Albrecht

Aldi Nord

Responsible for Northern Germany. Operates in many European regions including France, Spain, and Benelux.

🇺🇸 U.S. Expansion: Acquired Trader Joe's in 1979

Karl Albrecht

Aldi Süd

Responsible for Southern Germany. Operates in the UK, Australia, China, etc.

🇺🇸 U.S. Expansion: Entered directly with 'Aldi' stores in 1976