King Kullen, a long-time Long Island grocery store chain, is being acquired by Giunta's Meat Farms.

On Thursday an agreement was reached between the two family-owned supermarkets.

Giunta's will get 24 King Kullen supermarkets and four Wild by Nature stores.

Together the companies said they will unite to preserve almost a century of grocery tradition while also investing in the future.

“King Kullen is more than a supermarket company,” said Joseph Giunta, co-owner of Giunta’s Meat Farms. “It’s America’s first supermarket and a significant part of Long Island’s history. We’re honored to carry that legacy forward while delivering the strong everyday value that has long defined the Meat Farms experience.”

Both companies will continue to act independently until the transaction is completed. All employees are expected to be retained after the completion of the acquisition.

“As we looked toward the future, it was important to us to identify a local company that understood what makes King Kullen so special,” said Tracey Cullen, President and COO of King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. Cullen. “We found that in family-owned Giunta’s Meat Farms. They appreciate our history and our people. We are confident they are the right steward of the King Kullen legacy, and we look forward to working together throughout the transition.”