Albertsons And Safeway Ready To Roll

September 19, 2014

The merger between Albertsons and Safeway is expected to close in a few months and when it does the combined company already has a new senior leadership and field operations structure in place.

The companies late Friday announced key leadership positions it said drew on strong talent within both organizations to build an innovative, customer-focused and growth-driven company.

"We are confident in this team's ability to build a great company that's positioned to win over the long term by earning the loyalty of grocery shoppers in every market we serve and delivering superior operational and financial results," said Safeway president and CEO Robert Edwards.

Edwards will serve as CEO of the combined company once the deal closes and current Albertsons CEO Bob Miller will become executive chairman.  The combined company will operate nearly 2,400 stores under banners such as Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs, ACME, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaws, Star Market, Super Saver, Amigos, Market Street and United Supermarkets.

"We know the best way to grow our business is to have the highest quality fresh departments, lower prices, clean, well-stocked stores and the best customer service in the market," Miller said.  "Our teams will focus on delivering what customers want locally, and we will give our store teams more flexibility to make decisions that are right for their neighborhoods.  The division teams will have the responsibility to have the right assortment for their markets."

Shareholders of both companies approved the merger on July 25 and the deal is now under review by the Federal Trade Commission but is expected to close during the fourth quarter.  The new company will be comprised of three regions and 14 retail divisions that will be supported by corporate offices in Boise, ID, Pleasanton, CA, and Phoenix, AZ.

Source: Retailing Today

Albertsons Acquiring Safeway For $9 Billion

March 6, 2014

Albertsons plans to acquire Safeway for $32 a share in a deal valued at roughly $9 billion that will create a supermarket chain with roughly 2,400 locations to rival market leader Kroger.

The deal announced late Thursday ended longrunning speculation regarding the potential acquisition of Safeway.

"This transaction offers us the opportunity to better serve customers by adapting more quickly to evolving shopping preferences in diverse regions across the country," said Albertson's CEO Bob Miller.  "It also brings together two great organizations with talented management teams.  Safeway CEO Robert Edwards and his team have done an outstanding job in positioning Safeway's core business for success, by investing in its stores and creating innovative strategic marketing programs that contribute to shareholder value.  Working together will enable us to create cost savings that translate into price reductions for our customers.  Together, we will be able to respond to local needs more quickly and deliver outstanding products at the lowest possible price, more efficiently than ever before."

Source: Retailing Today