Research & Analysis

MINNEAPOLIS - International Multifoods Corp. announced on Tuesday that it has completed the acquisition from General Mills of the Pillsbury desserts and specialty products businesses. The company paid about $304.5 million in cash for the businesses, which are expected to add approximately $500 million in annual net sales.

MONTVALE, N.J. - The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc. (A&P) today announced it will close 39 stores to improve operating results. A majority of the closings will take place before the end of the fiscal year (Feb. 23, 2002).

SAO PAULO, Brazil - Brazil's largest retailer Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao (CBD), popularly known as Grupo Pao de Acucar, today finalized negotiations to acquire 100 percent of supermarket chain Supermercados ABC, Reuters reported.

ARLINGTON, Va. - The National Grocers Association announced on Thursday that George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States, is to be the featured speaker at the National Grocers Association's Annual Convention and Concept Show.

CHICAGO and Quincy, Mass. - Leading Internet grocer Peapod Inc., and Stop & Shop, New England's largest supermarket chain, today announced the expansion of the Norwalk, Conn.-based Peapod by Stop & Shop online shopping and delivery service into Westchester County, N.Y.

GOLDEN, Colo. - Known for its home-style meals, Boston Market Corporation is opening new stores for the first time since 1997 with a new store right outside of Boston, where the company started more than a decade ago.

BUDA, Texas - H-E-B supermarkets have discontinued handing out game tokens while a federal agency investigates a claim of a child nearly choking on one of the coins.

PHOENIX, Arizona - Southwest Supermarkets, a private company based in Phoenix, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and hopes to sell 23 of its 32 stores to Bashas', The Arizona Republic reported today.