Mergers and acquisitions

Albertsons

Washington sues Albertsons to block its $4B shareholder payout

The state’s attorney general said giving out the special dividend would “weaken Albertsons’ ability to continue business operations and compete” amid a proposed $24.6 billion merger with Kroger. Albertsons called the suit "meritless."

Wholesalers & Distributors

Specialty foods distributor Lipari acquired by investment firm Littlejohn

Warren, Michigan-based Lipari, which sells refrigerated specialty items, was previously owned by private equity firm H.I.G. Capital.

AGs from a half dozen states are threatening legal action if Albertsons does not put the brakes on its planned “special dividend” payout of nearly $4 billion slated to go to shareholders next month.

The employee-owned grocer has entered into a purchase agreement to buy the seven-unit independent grocery retailer that has stores across central Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi.

The grocer, which is in the process of being acquired by Kroger for $24.6 billion, reported early Tuesday that its same-store sales rose 7.4% and digital sales were up 36% during the period ended Sept. 10.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee, who serve on the antitrust subcommittee, said Tuesday they have “serious concerns” about the $24.6 billion union of two grocery powerhouses.

The grocer joins Ada's Natural Market in Florida and Mother Earth’s Storehouse in New York as part of HCMC's grocery segment.

Grocery experts sound off on the potential repercussions of the proposed $24.6 billion merger for both the industry and shoppers.

The proposed $24.6 billion union of two of the country’s biggest grocers will have wide-ranging repercussions for the industry.

The acquisition, which remains subject to regulatory approval, would create a mega-grocer that could rival Walmart.

  • Page 9