Save Mart to Rebrand Most Albertsons with Flagship Banner

MODESTO, Calif. - Save Mart Supermarkets here expects to convert most of the stores it is acquiring from Albertsons LLC in Northern California and northern Nevada to its own banner, with only a handful likely to become FoodMaxx warehouse stores, Bob Piccinini, chairman and chief executive officer, told SN yesterday. The acquisition, which encompasses 132 stores, two distribution centers and an administrative office, also includes the right to use the Lucky name in those areas, though Piccinini said he hasn't determined yet whether the company will utilize that option. The deal, for an undisclosed amount of cash, is scheduled to close at the end of February. Piccinini said he does not anticipate closing or selling any stores. Elliot Zwiebach