Kroger, Walmart Looking to Buy Hostess?

The Kroger Co. and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are reportedly among the bidders for bankrupt Hostess Brands Inc.

The retailers are among about two dozen bidders for the ill-fated maker of Twinkies snack cakes, Wonder Bread and other bakery products, Bloomberg has reported. The liquidation sale of Hostess is expected to generate upwards of $1 billion.

Kroger spokesman Keith Dailey declined to comment when contacted by Progressive Grocer; a request for comment to Walmart was not returned at press time.

Some of the bids reportedly are for all of Hostess’ assets, while some are interested in individual baking facilities, which could help the retailers better serve strategic markets with their private label baked goods.