Metro to Consolidate Ontario Banners

MONTREAL — In a move that would create Ontario’s largest grocery banner, Metro Inc. here will consolidate all of its conventional food stores in Ontario under the Metro name starting next month. The launch of Metro in Ontario will be supported by a $191 million (U.S.) investment in upgraded store facilities and marketing, said Metro, which as a result of acquisitions currently operates stores in Ontario under the Dominion, A&P, Loeb, The Barn and Ultra Food & Drug labels. Those banners, beginning with Dominion in Toronto area, will be converted to Metro over 18 months. The company said it would not change its Food Basics discount banner. Metro also last week said that third-quarter earnings improved 3.7% to $88.4 million (U.S.) on sales of $3.2 billion. Revenues were up 0.9% and same-store sales improved by 0.5%.

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