Bloomberg reports this morning that Publix Super Markets is interested in possibly making a bid for Harris Teeter Supermarkets, which said last month that it is exploring strategic options, including a possible sale.
Ahold also is said to be interested in Harris Teeter, and the story notes that if they both make a play for the retailer,which has a market value of more than $2 billion, it could result in an "active auction."
If Publix were to make a move for Harris Teeter, the story says, it would be unusual since the company "rarely makes acquisitions," though it "has more than adequate capacity on its balance sheet to finance” a deal.
Ahold also is said to be interested in Harris Teeter, and the story notes that if they both make a play for the retailer,which has a market value of more than $2 billion, it could result in an "active auction."
If Publix were to make a move for Harris Teeter, the story says, it would be unusual since the company "rarely makes acquisitions," though it "has more than adequate capacity on its balance sheet to finance” a deal.
- KC's View:
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It would be an interesting and uncharacteristic move for Publix, but from what I hear, the betting seems to be right now that if anyone buys Harris Teeter, it will be Ahold.
