Research & Analysis

COLUMBUS, Ohio - It's not often that a supermarket robbery garners national press attention, but it's not every day that a supermarket is robbed by a giant chicken.

DENVER - The first case of mad cow disease in the United States may encourage consumers to try buffalo, according to a Reuters report.

NEW YORK - Most Americans still consider the food at their local supermarkets to be safe despite the discovery of mad cow disease last month, according to a survey of 537 adults conducted last week by market research firm NPD Group.

DETROIT - A&P unit Farmer Jack on Tuesday informed employees that it will close 13 southeast Michigan area stores by mid-February as part of the company's continuing efforts to restore profitability. Last week Farmer Jack announced it will close its two Lansing, Mich. stores.

WASHINGTON - Federal officials, unable to determine which calf was born to the first cow diagnosed with mad cow disease in the United States, have announced plans to kill a herd of 450 calves as a precaution against the spread of the illness, AP Online reports.

DALLAS and BOULDER, Colo. - Dean Foods Company announced today the completion of the acquisition of Horizon Organic Holding Corporation. Dean Foods acquired the 87 percent equity interest in Horizon Organic it did not already own for approximately $216 million in cash, or $24 per share, and the assumption of approximately $40 million in debt.

PARIS - Carrefour has sold its seven Chilean hypermarkets to Chilean retail group Distribution y Servicios (D&S) for euro 100 million ($126.6 million) because of competition and a lack of options for expansion, according to published reports.

RA'ANANA, Israel - Software provider Retalix Ltd. has acquired all of the outstanding stock of OMI International Inc., a leading provider of supply chain execution and electronic commerce solutions designed for complex buying, warehouse management and replenishment capabilities.