Publix to acquire 49 Albertson's stores

BOISE, Idaho Albertson's said it has accepted an offer from Publix Super Markets to purchase 49 of the company's stores in Florida. The company intends to operate its remaining Florida division stores with the ongoing support of its distribution center in Plant City and division office in Lake Mary, Florida.

Commenting on the acquisition, Publix chief executive officer Ed Crenshaw said, “The demand for the high-quality service our associate owners provide gives us the opportunity to reinvest in these communities by acquiring additional sites for Publix stores. We continue to focus on being the premier food retailer in the areas in which we operate.” 

The acquisition is expected to be complete in September.

Winn-Dixie chairman, chief executive officer and President Peter Lynch said, “Based on our analysis, only 10 of the 49 stores are within a two-mile operating radius of a Winn-Dixie location that does not currently compete with an existing Publix. As a result, we do not believe this transaction will have a material impact on our long-term strategy or performance. Our remodeled stores continue to generate positive results. As we move forward, we will monitor business conditions and fine-tune product assortment, pricing and merchandizing efforts in each store to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”