Albertson's Plans to Grow United Chain

BOISE, Idaho — Albertson's LLC here said Monday it plans to build upon the brands operated by United Supermarkets, the Lubbock, Texas-based chain of 50 stores it has agreed to acquire.

"Our team feels there is an exceptional opportunity to invest in and grow their brands," Bob Miller, chief executive officer of Albertson's LLC, said.

CONNECT WITH SN ON TWITTER

Follow @SN_News for updates throughout the day.

According to Matt Bumstead, co-president of United and a member of the family that has owned the chain for 97 years, "With this ownership transition we see a chance for United's impact and legacy to grow for decades to come. With the strength and stability Albertson's LLC has to offer our team members, we believe this new ownership can take United's vision and mission to places and levels previously beyond our reach. We believe United's best days are all ahead."

Once the deal is completed — probably by the end of October, subject to customary government approvals — United will operate as a new business under Albertson's LLC's corporate structure, with Robert Taylor, United's CEO, as president. Taylor said United will continue to make decisions locally "and maintain a strong commitment to our Texas communities, our guests and our team members. The opportunities presented to us to invest in our stores and grow with this transaction are tremendous."

United operates 50 supermarkets under three banners — United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos — and seven convenience stores and 26 fuel centers under the United Express banner. It also operates two wholesale divisions — R.C. Taylor Distributing, which distributes tobacco, candy and general merchandise; and Praters, which manufactures a variety of prepared foods — and Llano Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary that operates the company's two distribution centers in Lubbock and Roanoke, Texas.

Read more: United Changes Name to The United Family

"We've learned over the last seven years that our decentralized operating strategy empowers local management to build stronger brands across diverse market areas," Miller said. "United has operated much the same way in its acquisitions of R.C. Taylor in 2007 and Praters in 2009 [so] it's a great fit between two great companies."

United, which has been family-owned since 1916, will continue to operate much as it does today following the acquisition, Miller noted, with decisions being made locally, similar to other operating divisions of Albertson's LLC.

Albertson’s LLC operates 76 stores in Texas, the majority of them in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Prior to completing the deal with United, It has over 600 stores companywide and 11 distribution centers in 16 states.

Albertson’s LLC is one of two divisions of AB Acquisition; the other is New Albertsons Inc. (NAI), which operates Acme Markets, Shaw's and Jewel-Osco, three of the four retail chains acquired earlier this year from Supervalu by a partnership headed by Cerberus Capital Management. Albertson's LLC operates the Southern California Albertsons stores that were acquired from Supervalu.

Suggested Categories	More from Supermarketnews
Latest News Top 75 Retailers & Wholesalers Top 50 Small Chains & Independents Top 25 Global Retailers Power 50	SN Photo Galleries Videos Industry Voices SN Viewpoints Total Access Event Coverage