Charlotte Observer: Dutch company eyes Harris Teeter

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Harris_TeeterFrom the Charlotte Observer:

Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc., the Matthews-based grocery chain exploring a sale, has attracted interest from Royal Ahold NV, the Dutch owner of Stop & Shop stores, said people with knowledge of the matter.

Ahold has contacted JPMorgan Chase & Co., retained by Harris Teeter to evaluate options, and is seeking more information on the sale process, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because the negotiations are private. Ahold hasn’t made a formal bid, according to that person.

Harris Teeter’s market value tops $2 billion. Buying the chain would help Ahold expand further in the southern U.S. and Washington, D.C., and its acquisition history and previous expansions position the Dutch chain as a likely bidder, said BMO Capital Markets analyst Karen Short.

Why does Asheville care? Because Harris Teeter is building a brand new store right now on Merrimon Avenue. Asking price for that Merrimon Ave. property is $9.7 million.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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13 Comments

  1. Harry Sax February 25, 2013

    It needs to be a giant open pit when you carry your own weapon and fight for your food

    Reply
  2. paul February 23, 2013

    Publix isn’t that much different from a new Ingles.

    Reply
  3. Laura February 23, 2013

    Publix bakery and deli are awesome. Curious, am I the only one who laughed when I read the name ‘Royal Ahold’, or is that just my warped mind?

    Reply
    1. Jennifer Saylor February 23, 2013

      I thought it was autocorrect.

      Reply
    2. Jennifer Saylor February 23, 2013

      Or a Will Ferrell character.

      Reply
  4. NFB February 23, 2013

    Why do so many people seem obsessed with having a Publix here?

    Seriously. What’s the big deal?

    Reply
    1. Smytty February 23, 2013

      Personally, I’d like to see anything other than Ingles in the large gap between discount stores like Aldi or Sav-More and the higher end stores like Earth Fare, Green Life, or Fresh Market.

      Ingles is mediocre at best. Their service is always deplorable, their produce is underwhelming, and their prices are not very good. Any competition would help keep them on their toes, but they seem to have this whole region on lockdown.

      Reply
      1. Big Al February 25, 2013

        Sez you. I like Ingles, have always gotten good service, and everyone I talk to who works there feels wel-paid and respected, a testimonial that I have seldom heard from any other grocery chain, even the “eco-progressive” stores. My out-of-town relatives gush over Ingles and wish they would expand out of WNC.

        Reply
        1. Smytty February 25, 2013

          You must go to a much nicer Ingles than the one down the street from me, which is staffed by teens who can’t put their cell phones down long enough to bag groceries, and the very very elderly. Getting actual service from someone is like pulling teeth, and most of the produce would be tossed out at many stores I have been in.

          I’ve worked in the industry before. If that’s the face of a satisfied workforce, I’m Shirley Temple.

          Reply
    2. Don February 23, 2013

      Publix is a well run, clean, employee-owned, profit sharing, stock issuing company that pays fair wages and salaries and provides good benifits…..

      Their slogan is “Where shopping is a pleasure.”

      Competition is a beautiful thing.

      Reply
  5. Vlad Emrick February 23, 2013

    FWIW, Royal Ahold owned Bi-Lo from 1977 to 2005.

    Reply
  6. larry February 23, 2013

    Royal Ahold bought and could not improve a large grocery foodservice company. If they mess up H.T. we sure could use a Publix

    Reply
  7. Ron February 23, 2013

    You have got to be kidding me!

    Reply

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