A&P divests Superfresh stores in auction

MONTVALE, N.J. — Grocer A&P recently completed the previously announced auction of 25 Southern Superfresh locations as it continues to implement its financial and operational restructuring, the company announced on Wednesday.

The winning bids, which are subject to approval from the bankruptcy court before the sales would be completed, will be listed in motions of the company to be filed with the court on May 27. The winning bids are as follows:

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  Ten stores — two in Baltimore and one each in Parkville, Arnold, White Oak, Lutherville, Cambridge, Chestertown and Brunswick, Md.; and Washington, D.C. — were won by a joint venture between Mrs. Greens Management and Village Supermarkets. The White Oak and Lutherville, Md., stores will be operated by Village Supermarkets, with the remaining stores to be operated by Mrs. Greens Management;

  
  


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  The Ellicott City, Md., store was given to Supervalu;

  
  


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  The Westminster, Md., store was given to its landlord, Englar Center Limited Partnership; and

  
  


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  In addition, the prescription customer lists of seven Superfresh stores were awarded to three different bidders (three to Walgreens, three to Safeway and one to CVS/pharmacy). Based on these results, the company expects auction proceeds in excess of $40 million.

  
  

The bankruptcy court is expected to consider its motions on these proposed sales at a hearing on June 14. A&P expects to cease operating these 12 stores by mid-July.

The company anticipates closing the 13 remaining Superfresh locations that were not sold at auction. These locations are expected to be closed by mid-July, subject to approval by the court.

As previously announced, the company’s Superfresh locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Maryland/Delaware shore area were not included in this bidding process. These stores continue to operate as normal.