Aldi is one of the world’s most recognized discount supermarket chains. With stores across Europe, the United States, and other markets, many shoppers wonder who owns Aldi and how the company is structured. This article offers a detailed look into Aldi’s history, ownership, and the businesses it operates today.
History of Aldi
Aldi was founded in 1946 by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht in Essen, Germany. The brothers took over their mother’s small grocery store and developed it into a discount supermarket chain. In 1960, a disagreement over whether to sell cigarettes led to a split. The company was divided into Aldi Nord (North) and Aldi Süd (South), each managed independently. Despite this division, both entities remained true to their discount roots, focusing on efficiency, low prices, and private-label products.
Aldi Nord took over operations in Northern Germany and expanded internationally, including into France, Spain, and Denmark. Aldi Süd focused on Southern Germany and moved into countries like the UK, Ireland, the US, and Australia.
Who Owns Aldi Today
Aldi is not publicly traded, so it doesn’t have institutional investors or public shareholders like other large corporations. Instead, ownership is concentrated within two foundations tied to the founding Albrecht family. These foundations act as the sole controlling entities, ensuring long-term control, continuity, and privacy.
Here’s a breakdown of the key shareholders for both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd:
| Shareholder | Type | Division | Role | Ownership / Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Markus Foundation | Private Family Foundation | Aldi Nord | Main shareholder and controller of Aldi Nord | Full ownership through trusts and holding companies |
| Theo Albrecht Jr. | Indirect Family Member | Aldi Nord | Heir of Theo Albrecht Sr.; Influences foundation decisions | No direct shares; indirect influence via Markus Foundation |
| Babette Albrecht | Indirect Family Member | Aldi Nord | Widow of Theo Sr.; associated with foundation governance | No direct shares; limited indirect influence |
| Siepmann Foundation | Private Family Foundation | Aldi Süd | Sole shareholder of Aldi Süd | Full control and ownership via corporate structures |
| Beate Heister | Indirect Family Member | Aldi Süd | Daughter of Karl Albrecht; associated with foundation | No direct shares; indirect influence via Siepmann Foundation |
| Karl Albrecht Jr. | Indirect Family Member | Aldi Süd | Son of Karl Albrecht; highly influential through foundation | No direct shares; indirect control influence |
| Internal Holding Companies | Corporate Entities | Both Divisions | Manage regional operations and ownership of subsidiaries | Wholly owned by respective foundations |
| Public / Institutional Investors | None | N/A | No external investors | Aldi is privately owned; no public shareholders |
Markus Foundation (Aldi Nord)
The Markus Foundation, based in Germany, is the primary shareholder of Aldi Nord. It was established by Theo Albrecht Sr., co-founder of Aldi. The foundation holds complete ownership of Aldi Nord through a network of trusts and holding companies. The Markus Foundation is designed to maintain the company’s independence and long-term strategic direction.
It doesn’t operate for profit in the traditional sense. Instead, it preserves the legacy of the Albrecht family and appoints professional managers to run the company. The foundation is managed by a board of trustees who have full authority to make key business decisions, appoint leadership, and oversee the group’s direction.
While family members like Theo Albrecht Jr. and Babette Albrecht (widow of Theo Sr.) are linked to the foundation, they do not have direct shares or voting rights. Their role is limited to their influence over foundation governance or representation through the board.
Theo Albrecht Jr. and Family (Indirect, Aldi Nord)
Although not direct shareholders, Theo Albrecht Jr., the son of Theo Sr., and his family are key figures behind the Markus Foundation. He is believed to have significant sway in strategic decisions through his influence within the foundation’s leadership.
Forbes ranks Theo Albrecht Jr. as one of Germany’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth exceeding $18 billion. However, his wealth is tied to the value of Aldi Nord through the foundation, not direct ownership. His family continues to represent the interests of the Albrecht Nord branch.
Siepmann Foundation (Aldi Süd)
The Siepmann Foundation owns Aldi Süd. It was created by Karl Albrecht, the co-founder who led the southern division after the company split. The foundation’s mission is similar to that of the Markus Foundation: to protect the company’s independence and values, avoid public scrutiny, and eliminate external shareholder pressures.
The Siepmann Foundation fully controls Aldi Süd’s holding companies and business operations. Its trustees are responsible for corporate oversight, strategic decisions, and executive appointments. The foundation ensures that Aldi Süd stays aligned with Karl Albrecht’s founding principles of efficiency and simplicity.
Beate Heister and Karl Albrecht Jr. (Indirect, Aldi Süd)
Beate Heister and Karl Albrecht Jr. are the children of Karl Albrecht. Like their northern counterparts, they do not own shares directly but are influential through their association with the Siepmann Foundation.
Beate Heister and her family are considered some of the wealthiest individuals in Europe, with an estimated combined fortune of over $25 billion, largely linked to Aldi Süd. They have remained extremely private and do not participate in public business activities or the media.
Their influence is exerted behind the scenes through trusted foundation members and advisors. The foundation’s structure ensures that business continuity is preserved without family members taking formal corporate roles.
Public or Institutional Shareholders
Since both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd are privately owned, they do not have institutional investors, mutual funds, or public shareholders. The companies do not list on any stock exchange. There is no external ownership stake by private equity firms or banks. This gives Aldi full independence from short-term market pressures and investor demands.
That said, some of Aldi’s real estate and logistical infrastructure in international markets is managed through joint ventures or leasing arrangements with external entities. These entities, however, do not hold equity in Aldi’s core businesses.
Internal Holding Companies
Both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd operate through a web of internal holding companies and subsidiaries, many of which are based in Germany and Luxembourg. These legal entities are controlled by their respective foundations and help manage operations across different jurisdictions.
Who Controls Aldi?
Although Aldi is privately owned, its operations are overseen by professional executives and tightly monitored by foundation boards. The Markus Foundation controls Aldi Nord, while the Siepmann Foundation controls Aldi Süd. Each foundation ensures the company follows the founding principles laid out by Theo and Karl Albrecht. Daily operations, however, are handled by experienced management teams and CEOs appointed by the boards of these foundations.
Control by the Markus Foundation (Aldi Nord)
Aldi Nord is ultimately controlled by the Markus Foundation, which holds all ownership rights and appoints its own board of trustees. These trustees do not include members of the Albrecht family directly, but they act in alignment with the family’s long-term goals.
The board sets Aldi Nord’s strategic direction, approves budgets, oversees large investments, and ensures the company adheres to its core principles: simplicity, affordability, and efficiency. It also appoints executive leadership to run day-to-day operations.
CEO of Aldi Nord
As of the most recent available data, Torsten Hufnagel serves as the CEO of Aldi Nord. He has been instrumental in modernizing store formats, digitizing operations, and pushing international expansion—particularly in France, Spain, and Poland.
Hufnagel’s leadership has also brought a stronger focus on sustainability, supply chain efficiency, and brand modernization, while still maintaining Aldi Nord’s traditional low-price positioning.
Control by the Siepmann Foundation (Aldi Süd)
The Siepmann Foundation is the sole controlling entity of Aldi Süd. It is structured similarly to its northern counterpart. The foundation’s trustees hold complete authority over company governance and strategy.
The family—mainly Beate Heister and Karl Albrecht Jr.—has no direct involvement in daily operations, but their values and vision guide the trustees’ decisions. The foundation’s structure prevents external influence and secures long-term control of the company.
CEO of Aldi Süd
Götz W. Eberhardt currently serves as one of the key figures in Aldi Süd’s top executive team, leading its international division. Aldi Süd typically uses a co-CEO model, with regional CEOs also overseeing divisions such as Aldi US, Aldi UK & Ireland, and Aldi Australia.
In the United States, Jason Hart is the CEO of Aldi US, operating under the Aldi Süd umbrella. Hart has led rapid expansion across the country helped introduce more fresh foods and expanded private-label offerings while preserving the chain’s cost-cutting ethos.
Executive Leadership and Structure
Both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd operate with decentralized leadership. Each region or country typically has its own CEO or managing director. These executives report to the central leadership team in Germany, which in turn reports to the foundation trustees.
The lack of a public board of directors gives Aldi’s leadership more flexibility and less exposure to shareholder pressure. Decision-making is typically faster, and long-term strategy is favored over short-term profitability.
Role of the Albrecht Family
The Albrecht family members do not control Aldi directly. Instead, their influence is embedded within the foundation structures that they helped establish. Their goal has always been to preserve Aldi’s independence, avoid publicity, and ensure the company remains true to its discount roots.
Their legacy continues through the values enforced by the foundations and the strict governance model that has kept Aldi among the world’s most efficient and trusted retailers.
Annual Revenue and Net Worth of Aldi
Aldi’s combined global revenue (both Nord and Süd) is estimated to be over $150 billion annually. Aldi Süd, which includes the United States division, accounts for a significant portion of this. Aldi Nord also sees strong performance in its European territories.
Aldi’s global revenue has seen a steady increase over the years:
- 2022: $143 billion
- 2023: $151 billion
- 2024: $158 billion
This growth is attributed to Aldi’s expansion into new markets and its focus on providing affordable groceries.
Regional Performance
United States: Aldi plans to open over 225 new stores in 2025, marking its most significant single-year expansion in the U.S. to date.
United Kingdom: In 2023, Aldi UK reported sales of £17.9 billion, a 16% increase from the previous year. The company plans to invest £650 million in 2025 to open approximately 30 new stores across the UK.
Australia: Aldi’s Australian operations generate approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, with around 600 stores contributing to this figure.
Net Worth
As of April 2025, Aldi’s estimated net worth is approximately $50 billion. This valuation reflects the company’s extensive global presence and consistent profitability.
Aldi’s financial strength is further demonstrated by its ongoing investments in store expansions and infrastructure across various regions.
Here is a comprehensive table showing Aldi’s historical global annual revenue and net worth:
| Year | Estimated Global Revenue (USD) | Estimated Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $82 billion | $25 billion |
| 2016 | $88 billion | $27 billion |
| 2017 | $94 billion | $30 billion |
| 2018 | $101 billion | $32 billion |
| 2019 | $109 billion | $35 billion |
| 2020 | $117 billion | $38 billion |
| 2021 | $127 billion | $42 billion |
| 2022 | $143 billion | $45 billion |
| 2023 | $151 billion | $48 billion |
| 2024 | $158 billion | $50 billion |
Brands Owned by Aldi
Aldi operates as two separate entities—Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd—each manages different countries and brands under the Aldi umbrella. Both focus on discount retail but use slightly different product strategies and store formats.
Below is a breakdown of the most significant businesses and operations owned or controlled by Aldi:
| Brand / Company | Ownership | Region of Operation | Key Notes |
|---|
| Aldi (Aldi Süd) | Aldi Süd | US, UK, Ireland, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, China, Slovenia, Hungary | Operates under the Aldi name with a global discount model |
| Aldi (Aldi Nord) | Aldi Nord | Germany (North), France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Luxembourg | Operates separately from Aldi Süd; uses different packaging and store formats |
| Trader Joe’s | Aldi Nord | United States | Wholly owned but operated independently; known for gourmet private-label goods |
| Winn-Dixie | Aldi Süd | Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, etc.) | Acquired in 2023; some stores may be rebranded into Aldi |
| Harveys Supermarket | Aldi Süd | Southeastern United States (Georgia, Florida) | Acquired with Winn-Dixie; currently maintained as a separate brand |
| Hofer | Aldi Süd | Austria, Slovenia | Aldi Süd’s brand name in Austria and Slovenia |
| Instok | Aldi Süd | United Kingdom (online) | Clearance platform for Aldi’s Specialbuys and non-food items |
Aldi (Aldi Süd)
Aldi Süd operates under the primary Aldi brand across several countries. It is responsible for Aldi operations in:
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Slovenia
- Hungary
- Italy
- China
In these markets, Aldi Süd operates under the “Aldi” banner, offering a standardized selection of private-label products, streamlined stores, and low pricing. It focuses on efficiency, lean staffing, and fast-moving goods. The company has also been investing heavily in renewable energy, logistics automation, and digital payments.
In the U.S., Aldi Süd has been rapidly expanding. By 2025, it plans to operate over 2,500 stores, making it one of the fastest-growing grocery chains in the country. Aldi US also controls the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands following its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers.
Aldi (Aldi Nord)
Aldi Nord manages Aldi operations in northern and western Europe. Countries under Aldi Nord include:
- Germany (northern part)
- France
- Spain
- Portugal
- Denmark
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- Luxembourg
- Poland
Aldi Nord also operates under the “Aldi” brand but uses slightly different packaging, marketing strategies, and store designs. While the private-label strategy is consistent, the product mix can differ by country.
Aldi Nord has a strong presence in France and Spain, where it competes with Carrefour and Lidl. It has also been investing in revamping its stores to a more modern layout called “Aniko”, which emphasizes a more spacious and shopper-friendly design.
Trader Joe’s (Owned by Aldi Nord)
Trader Joe’s is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aldi Nord. The acquisition happened in 1979 when Theo Albrecht (Aldi Nord’s co-founder) purchased the chain from its American founder. Despite being owned by Aldi Nord, Trader Joe’s operates completely independently.
It has a strong brand identity focused on organic, specialty, and gourmet private-label products. Trader Joe’s operates over 560 stores in the U.S. and is known for its cult-like customer loyalty, quirky packaging, and no-advertising strategy.
There is no co-branding between Aldi and Trader Joe’s, and most shoppers are unaware of the connection due to the company’s deliberately separate branding.
Winn-Dixie (Owned by Aldi Süd)
In 2023, Aldi Süd acquired Winn-Dixie, a well-known supermarket chain based in the southeastern United States, from Southeastern Grocers. This strategic acquisition gives Aldi access to over 400 full-service grocery stores across Florida, Georgia, and other southern states.
Winn-Dixie stores continue to operate under their original branding for now, but Aldi plans to convert select locations into Aldi stores while keeping others intact to diversify its footprint.
This move reflects Aldi Süd’s ambition to broaden its appeal beyond discount shoppers and enter the traditional supermarket space while maintaining its private-label strength.
Harveys Supermarket (Owned by Aldi Süd)
Harveys Supermarket was also acquired as part of the Southeastern Grocers deal. Harveys operates mainly in Georgia and Florida, catering to price-conscious consumers with a mix of private-label and brand-name products.
Aldi Süd has not yet announced full integration plans for Harveys but is expected to apply its logistics and cost-efficiency model to streamline operations. Some Harveys locations may be rebranded or remodeled as Aldi stores in the future.
Hofer (Aldi Süd – Austria and Slovenia)
In Austria and Slovenia, Aldi Süd operates under the name Hofer. This branding choice was made to localize the company and better appeal to regional consumers. Despite the different name, Hofer maintains the same private-label, limited-assortment format Aldi is known for.
Hofer is one of the top discount retailers in Austria, competing directly with Lidl and Spar. It has a strong online presence and is one of the few Aldi divisions that offers online grocery services in select locations.
Instok (Aldi Süd – UK Clearance Outlet)
Instok is a discount clearance website operated by Aldi Süd in the United Kingdom. It sells non-food Aldi Specialbuys—such as electronics, clothing, garden tools, and furniture—that didn’t sell in stores.
Instok helps Aldi clear excess inventory and reach value-driven online shoppers. It’s operated separately from Aldi’s main grocery business and does not affect regular in-store offerings.
Final Words
Aldi remains one of the most influential names in global retail. When asking who owns Aldi, the answer is two powerful family foundations: the Markus Foundation (Aldi Nord) and the Siepmann Foundation (Aldi Süd). These foundations ensure that the company stays true to its roots while supporting international growth. The Albrecht family’s decision to split and privatize the company created a model that values efficiency, affordability, and long-term control. With continued growth in multiple countries, Aldi shows no signs of slowing down.
FAQs
Who owns Aldi and Trader Joe’s?
Aldi Nord owns Trader Joe’s. It was acquired by Theo Albrecht in 1979 and is managed separately from Aldi’s operations in Europe or the US.
Are Aldi and Trader Joe’s the same company?
No. While they are related through ownership, Aldi and Trader Joe’s operate independently. They have different management, branding, and strategies.
What is the difference between Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd?
Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd are separate companies. They originated from a family split and now operate independently with their own markets and subsidiaries.
Is Aldi publicly traded?
No. Aldi is a privately held company. It is owned by family foundations and does not have publicly traded shares.
How much is Aldi worth?
Aldi’s global annual revenue exceeds $150 billion. The Albrecht family’s estimated net worth is over $40 billion, making them among the richest families in Europe.