KROGER TERMINATES PLAN TO BUY WINN-DIXIE UNITS

CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here said late last week it has reached an agreement with Winn-Dixie Stores, Jacksonville, Fla., to terminate previously announced plans for Kroger to purchase 74 Winn-Dixie stores in Texas and Oklahoma.

sion earlier this month to seek a preliminary injunction to block the acquisition.

Al Rowland, Winn-Dixie president and chief executive officer, said, "We regret the length of time it took to reach this decision, the inconvenience to our customers and concern of our loyal associates.

"After re-evaluation, we believe there is great opportunity for Winn-Dixie to grow in this market. Our store base is modern, with most of them being new or remodeled in the last few years.

"We have extremely loyal customers and dedicated associates who have expressed to us their desire for us to continue to operate our stores.

"This is a growth market with great potential and one with which I am very familiar. We appreciate the customers who continued to shop with us and look forward to providing them with the friendliest and most competitive stores in the neighborhoods."

Joseph A. Pichler, Kroger chairman and CEO, said, "After thoroughly reviewing our legal options, Kroger has decided not to pursue our planned purchase of these Winn-Dixie stores."