Pathmark

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. said yesterday that Eric Kanterman, regional v.p. of Pathmark operations, received the Linda Breitstone Spirit Award Oct. 28 at Island Harvest's 15th annual “Taste of the Harvest Celebration.”

The integration and synergy realization of acquired ex-rival Pathmark, while presenting continued growing pains, are on track, the grocer said in its quarterly financial report.

Gerald McGettigan will oversee the reintegration of operational functions after Tops' acquisition by Morgan Stanley Private Equity last year.

John Standley returns to the drug store operator as president and c.o.o., while Frank Vitrano comes aboard as c.f.o. and chief administrative officer.

In a clear indication of ongoing operating improvements, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. posted sales of $2.9 billion, vs. $1.7 billion last year, for the 16-week first quarter of 2008 ended June 14. Comparable-store sales grew 3.2 percent, excluding sales for Pathmark stores acquired in December 2007 – the grocer’s fourth straight quarter of comp sales of over 3 percent.

The warrants were issued in connection with the grocer's successful acquisition of Pathmark.

The Pathmark integration and synergy realization remain "on track."

Following the integration of Pathmark, new stores and products are in the offing, says the grocer's exec chairman at a Lehman Brothers conference.