MANSFIELD — Roche Bros Supermarkets Inc ., a 20-store eastern Massachusetts grocery chain under the Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms and Brothers Marketplace banners, said it has entered into a "strategic partnership" in which its Connecticut-based supplier has acquired a majority stake in the business.

In a press release, Roche Bros. executives did not release details about the deal with Bozzuto's Inc. But attorney Andrew Upton said Tuesday during a Boston Licensing Board meeting that Bozzuto's has purchased 51% of Roche Bros. as a result to members of the grocery chain's ownership group set to retire.

"This decision was made thoughtfully and with our team, our customers, and our shared values as our guiding priorities," Roche Bros. co-owners Caitlin, Ed and Rick Roche said, in a prepared statement. “After many wonderful years as a family-owned business, this partnership will allow us to reinforce our stability, ensure quality and continue our positive impact in the community.”

Roche Bros. was founded in Roslindale in 1952 as a meat and produce shop. Since then, it has expanded to 20 stores, including locations in Acton, Boston (two), Bridgewater, Cambridge, Duxbury, Easton, Marshfield, Mashpee, Medfield, Millis, Natick, Needham (two), Sudbury, Watertown, Wellesley, Westborough, Weston and Westwood.

Both parties say grocery chain's operations will continue as normal

Bozzuto's was before the Boston Licensing Board on Tuesday because of the transfer of alcohol licenses with some of its Boston stores. During the meeting, Upton said nothing else would change.

"No aspects of any operations here (Boston) or anywhere in Massachusetts will be changing," he said.

Roche Bros., in a press release, reiterated Upton's statement, saying customers will not notice a change. Caitlin and Rick Roche will remain in management roles.

Michael Bozzuto, owner of Bozzuto's, could not be reached for comment. Bozzuto's, founded in 1945 and based in Cheshire, Connecticut, is a food wholesaler that has supplied Roche Bros. since the mid-2000s.

"Michael Bozzuto shares our passion for serving the community and supporting our associates," the Roche family said in their statement. “We are grateful for this partnership, which we believe honors our legacy while bringing exciting opportunities for growth.”