Hy-Vee Inc. is expanding its footprint in the Midwest by acquiring a northwest Indiana grocery chain with 22 stores, the West Des Moines-based grocer announced today.

The acquisition of the Strack & Van Til Food Market chain will be Hy-Vee’s first grocery store venture in Indiana, a company spokesperson said. Hy-Vee owns property in Fishers and Zionsville, Indiana, where future stores are planned, the spokesperson said.

The Hy-Vee official declined to say how much Hy-Vee is paying for Strack & Van Til Food Market, which will keep its name and operate as a subsidiary of Hy-Vee. The Indiana chain has 2,800 employees. Hy-Vee has over 93,000 employees.

“Strack & Van Til’s customer-centric focus and company vision to ‘make lives easier’ aligns with Hy-Vee’s values and growth strategy,” Jeremy Gosch, Hy-Vee’s CEO, said in a prepared statement.

The acquisition is expected to be finalized in early May.

“As Northwest Indiana’s No. 1 grocery store, we know Hy-Vee is the perfect partner,” Jeff Strack, Strack & Van Til’s CEO and president, said in a prepared statement. “With our combined focus on providing excellent customer service, taking care of our employees and giving back to our local communities, we believe this acquisition is a win-win for both our associates and our company.”

Associated Wholesale Grocers, of which Hy-Vee is now a member, will continue to supply Strack & Van Til stores in northwest Indiana. Hy-Vee grocery stores will continue to be served by the company’s supply chain facilities that are located in Ankeny, Chariton, Cherokee and Cumming.

Hy-Vee operates more than 550 retail units, which include grocery, drug and convenience stores, pharmacies and restaurants. The employee-owned corporation’s sales total more than $13 billion annually.