Research & Analysis

DALLAS -- Fleming Cos., a grocery distributor now operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, said it reached a preliminary agreement to sell its wholesale grocery business to C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., a step in what ultimately may be the dismantling of the second-largest grocery distributor in the U.S., Monday's Wall Street Journal reported.

CHICAGO -- Dean Foods Co., the largest U.S. dairy processor, said today that it will acquire the 87 percent of Horizon Organic Holding Corp. that is does not already own for $216 million, expanding its organic food product line.

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. today announced it has purchased 13 Food Town stores in the Toledo, Ohio area. Financial terms were not disclosed.

WASHINGTON - Milan, Illinois-based Eagle Food Centers Inc., which operates full-service supermarkets in Iowa and Illinois, is asking the bankruptcy court handling its Chapter 11 case to approve sale and bidding procedures for its assets.

WASHINGTON - The Federal Trade Commission yesterday approved the $2.8 billion merger of Nestle and Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream Inc., after the companies agreed to sell off three brands, significantly consolidating the super premium ice cream market.

TRENTON, N.J. - Raising cigarette taxes will only lead to broader tax increases across all categories, according to the Enough Already Coalition, a group of New Jersey convenience store operators, retail trade associations, and tobacco companies.

ZAANDAM, The Netherlands - William Grize, president and CEO of Ahold USA, announced today that he has accepted the resignation of Frank Curci, effective immediately.

BOISE, Idaho - Albertsons opened its first Albertsons-Savon in El Paso today, which makes the grocer the first retailer to offer a complete food store and a complete drug store shopping experience under one roof.