Deals

CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. here is paying less than $3.3 million for each of the 18 Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Scott's Food & Pharmacy stores it is acquiring from Supervalu - far less than the typical $8 million to $12 million selling price for similar grocery stores -- prompting local observers to speculate that the below-market value price might make it easier for Scott's new owner to justify closing stores.

LAS VEGAS -- Tesco offered further evidence that it is not bluffing about it U.S. expansion plans, giving invited guests here a view inside its U.S. division, making an official disclosure of its planned store locations in this city and exterior store design for its Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market here.

SEATTLE - Regional grocery wholesaler Associated Grocers, Inc. (AG) and Sabey Corp. last week closed their sale leaseback agreement, made in principle in February of this year, for AG's 55.27-acre Seattle headquarters and distribution facility.

LONDON -- Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners said yesterday it's giving up its pursuit of supermarket chain J Sainsbury Plc.

DALLAS -- Southeastern chain Bi-Lo is back on the market several years after breaking away from former parent company Ahold. Bi-Lo's current owner, private equity firm Lone Star Funds, said yesterday it intends to seek a buyer for the 230-store chain, which has come up short in many markets to the country's leading supermarket operator, Wal-Mart.

MONTVALE, N.J. -- Spartan Stores and Nash Finch have submitted bids for A&P's Farmer Jack stores in Michigan, with Nash Finch considering the purchase of 18 locations and Spartan interested in buying stores for independent grocers, according to a published report.

QUINCY, Mass. -- The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., LLC here has new technology in the wings to support the loyalty programs tied to the Ahold banner's 60 gas stations.

CARLISLE, Pa. -- Five Giant supermarket-anchored properties in eastern Pennsylvania have been purchased by Port Washington, N.Y.-based self-managed real estate investment trust Cedar Shopping Centers, Inc for about $90.0 million, not including closing costs and adjustments.