Private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, which earlier this year bought five food retail chains from Supervalu Inc, is said to be looking at more targets – including regional grocer Harris Teeter.
The Wall Street Journal yesterday (23 May) reported Cerberus was studying around half a dozen possible deals. Harris Teeter, which runs stores in eight south-eastern and mid-Atlantic states, was named as one grocer the private-equity firm was considering.
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Speaking to just-food, Cerberus refused to be drawn on the report. “Per policy, Cerberus doesn’t comment on market rumour and speculation,” a spokesperson said.
Harris Teeter, which is looking at possibly selling its business, said earlier this month it was talks with “certain parties” on “strategic alternatives” were ongoing.
The retailer, which runs stores in eight south-eastern and mid-Atlantic states, had confirmed in February it was considering a possible sale and had hired JP Morgan to help it look at options.
Another US chain, Publix, and Dutch retail giant Ahold have also been reported to be interested in Harris Teeter. Neither chain have commented on the claims.
The WSJ said a second private-equity firm, Bain Capital, was looking at whether to bid for Harris Teeter. Bain Capital had not returned a request for comment at the time of writing.
