The Kroger Co. announced this week that it purchased the equity of Murray’s Cheese, as well as its flagship location in New York City, to form a merger of the two companies.

Murray’s, an iconic New York cheese shop that opened in 1940, formed a partnership with Kroger’s in 2008. Murray’s has since offered fine foods and cheese expertise to the Kroger family of stores.

“When the Kroger and Murray’s relationship started in 2008, we wanted to figure out how to bring the finest cheese and charcuterie to more people,” says Daniel Hammer, Kroger’s vice-president of culinary development and deli/bakery merchandising. “Today we have more than 350 Murray’s Cheese shops in Kroger locations from coast to coast — and that is thanks to the incredible passion and commitment of the team at Murray’s to empower associates to share their love of cheese with customers. We look forward to learning from the very talented team at Murray’s and working with together to grow the business and build the iconic Murray’s brand.”

Murray’s former owner and president, Rob Kaufelt, will remain with the business as a strategic adviser. Nick Tranchina will continue to lead the Murray’s Cheese team in New York and will report to Hammer at Kroger.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.