LifeWay explores expansion to Minnesota

Written by Eric Tiansay

Thursday, 20 May 2010 02:39 PM America/New_York

LifeWay Christian Stores has signed a letter of intent to acquire the Northwestern Book Stores chain of six stores in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., area--owned by the Cutshall family for 61 years.

"We've operated the Northwestern Book Stores in this area since 1949, and we're happy to be passing the ministry baton to LifeWay Christian Stores, who has the same heart and desire to serve these communities that we've had these many years," said Brian Cutshall, president and CEO of Northwestern.

LifeWay Christian Stores President Mark Scott added: "We were delighted when we were approached about transforming the Northwestern Book Stores into LifeWay Christian Stores. Brian Cutshall and his team have done an excellent job. We hope to honor their ministry in the local area through our service to churches and individuals."

LifeWay currently operates 156 stores in 26 states with no stores in Minnesota. LifeWay expects to close the acquisition agreement by mid-summer, company officials said.

LifeWay Christian Stores, owned and operated by Nashville-based LifeWay Christian Resources, recently acquired two Christian Supply stores in Beaverton (Portland), Ore., and Spokane, Wash. The acquisition was completed April 19, and both stores reopened as LifeWay Christian Stores on April 21.