Delhaize sells Bottom Dollar to Aldi
Delhaize sells Bottom Dollar to Aldi
Delhaize Group has signed an agreement with ALDI Inc. to sell its Bottom Dollar Food´s 66 store locations in the greater Philadelphia and greater Pittsburgh markets for approximately $15 million and includes the assumption of associated lease liabilities. The transaction is expected to result in an asset impairment and other charges for Delhaize Group of approximately $180 million.
All stores are anticipated to remain open as Bottom Dollar Food stores until the end of 2014. After that time, Bottom Dollar Food will close the stores and retire the banner´s operations. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter 2015.
“I would like to thank our Bottom Dollar Food associates for their hard work and dedication to their customers,” Frans Muller, president and chief executive officer of Delhaize Group, said in a press release. “The divestiture of Bottom Dollar Food further simplifies our business, increases debt capacity and creates shareholder value. Today´s announcement is consistent with our strategy, announced in March, of investing in and focusing on our core markets.”