Delhaize Seeks Sale of Sweetbay, Harveys: Report
BRUSSELS — Delhaize Group has reportedly engaged an investment bank to assist in the possible sale of its Sweetbay and Harveys banners in the U.S.
May 24, 2013
BRUSSELS — Delhaize Group has reportedly engaged an investment bank to assist in the possible sale of its Sweetbay and Harveys banners in the U.S.
A Reuters report Friday, citing two anonymous sources, said investment banking firm Lazard was handling inquiries. When asked about a potential sales of the banners at the company's annual meeting this week, Pierre Olivier Beckers, Delhaize's chief executive officer, was quoted as saying, "This is a question on the table at the moment."
A Sweetbay spokeswoman told The Tampa Tribune, “It is business as usual, and we expect that to continue under the Delhaize Group ownership or someone else.”
Harveys, under the Food Lion division, operates 73 stores, mainly in Georgia. Sweetbay, under Delhaize’s Hannaford division, operates 72 stores in Florida. Earlier this year Delhaize shuttered 33 money-losing Sweetbay stores in a move some observers felt could prepare the remainder for a sale.
“While we don’t comment on market rumors or speculation, we continually review our portfolio, as appropriate,” a Delhaize spokeswoman told SN Friday.