German discount grocery giant Lidl is significantly expanding its footprint with the purchase of 27 Best Market stores in New York and New Jersey.

The deal allows Lidl, which opened its first U.S. stores in 2017, to expand its regional presence with its first stores on New York’s Long Island.

"Best Market has played an enormously positive role in the area, and we look forward to working closely with Best Market employees to build on that success," says Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl US. "We are excited to expand into many great communities on Long Island and across the New York City area and introduce more customers to our simple and efficient approach to grocery shopping, which will mean high quality and huge savings for more shoppers."

Transitioning of the Best Market stores into Lidl stores will begin in 2019. All Best Market employees in New Jersey and New York will have guaranteed employment opportunities with Lidl following the transition.

Lidl currently operates more than 50 stores in seven East Coast states.