Report: Whole Foods acquiring six Dominick's stores

CHICAGO — Suitors for the remainder of Safeway's Dominick's stores in Chicago, which are now shuttering their doors, are beginning to come forward, according to a report published Saturday in the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Whole Foods has recently acquired six Dominick's stores, the Sun-Times reported, citing real estate sources. And Jewel may buy as many as 16 Dominick's locations. 

Regional operator Pete's Fresh Market has been looking at as many as four locations, and will likely announce its intentions by Jan. 20, the Sun-Times reported. 

The purchase of as many as 10 Dominick's stores may be under consideration by independent grocery chains affiliated with the Centrella cooperative, Crain's Chicago Business reported earlier this month, citing sources close to the deal. 

Safeway announced in October its intended exit from the Chicago market altogether, where it at one time operated 72 Dominick's stores, by early 2014. Now approximately 55 remain. 

Four stores were sold to New Albertsons in October. In early December, Safeway announced it had reached a definitive agreement to sell 11 of its Dominick's stores in the Chicago metropolitan area in a cash and lease assumption transaction to Roundy's. Roundy's will take possession of the stores during a transition period that will take place over the next two months. 

And at least two Dominick's stores have expiring leases, according to the Crain report.