Walmart

A solid connection to health, as well as an increased emphasis on specialty fruit, should help citrus turn in a strong peak season.

BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons, Inc. said yesterday that it has terminated all discussions about the potential sale of the entire company. The grocer added, however, that to enhance shareholder value, it continues to be involved in discussions with several parties interested in purchasing its ¿underperforming assets,¿ but didn't identify specific properties.

HORSEHEADS, N.Y. -- Demolition on an approximately 1.5 million-square-foot facility here that once served as an A&P manufacturing plant has begun, the beginning of a three-month project that could clear the way for the construction of a Wal-Mart supercenter, according to published reports.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Let the 2006 mergers begin. Spartan Stores, Inc. here said it plans to acquire D&W Food Centers, Inc., also based here, in a deal that could add $200 million a year to Spartan's sales revenue.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores here disclosed in a filing with the Securities Exchange Commission that it is the target of a criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, into the transportation of hazardous waste between its stores in California and its return center in Las Vegas.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- The world's biggest retailer said last week it intends to only get bigger. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. here on Friday confirmed that its plans for the coming year include 370 U.S. units, larger stores for Canada, and up to 230 new stores in other countries.

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- AG Supermarkets, Inc., the retail subsidiary of Associated Grocers of New England here, said Friday it has opened a new upscale Harvest Market format in Hollis, N.H.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Expanding its presence in Latin America, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said yesterday it has purchased Sonae's retail operations in Brazil, which include 140 hypermarkets, supermarkets and wholesale units. The total transaction was valued at euro 635 million (approximately $757 million).