KROGER AGREES TO DIVEST THREE STORES

CINCINNATI -- Kroger Co. here said last week it agreed to divest three stores to win approval from the Federal Trade Commission for its acquisition of The Groub Company, Seymour, Ind.

d.

All three have been sold to Roundy's, Pewaukee, Wisc., which will operate them as corporate stores: the two conventional stores under the Village Market banner and the warehouse store under the Pick 'N Save name.

Mike Schmitt, vice president, sales and development for Roundy's, said the stores are the wholesaler's first in southern Indiana, though it plans to develop new sites and seek additional acquisitions in the area.

Kroger said it will operate the 28 remaining Groub stores, all in southern Indiana, under their existing names: 24 conventional Jay C Stores, three Foods Plus superwarehouse stores and a single limited assortment store called Ruler. The deal also includes a 180,000-square-foot distribution center.