US: SuperValu-UNFI agree to US$2.9b sale

SuperValu shares soared 65% on Thursday, July 26, after United Natural Foods (UNFI) announced it has agreed to acquire the food distributor and grocery chain in a deal valued at about US$2.9 billion, including debt.

United Natural Foods, which specializes in healthier food options, distributes more than 110,000 products to more than 43,000 customer locations, including both natural-product stores and conventional supermarkets. The company is paying US$32.50 per SuperValu share, equal to a 67% premium over the stock’s closing price on Wednesday.

The deal will expand its range and help the company reach a broader spectrum of customers, said UNFI’s chief executive Steve Spinner, UNFI’s chief executive. Spinner is to lead the combined company, and Sean Griffin, the company’s chief operating officer, has been tapped to head up the SuperValu integration effort. UNFI said it will exit SuperValu’s retail business, which comprises 3,000 stores. The company has spent more than two years executing a transformation plan aimed at returning to its wholesale roots.

Full Content: Market Watch

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