Grocery giants complete merger

Albertsons (AB Acquisition LLC) and Safeway completed their merger in early 2015, creating a new, privately owned supermarket pharmacy giant. The combined company should place Safeway/Albertsons among the top five supermarket retailers in the country.

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At press time, Bob Miller was named CEO of the new company. Robert Edwards, former Safeway president and CEO, will continue as vice chairman.



The new company will be comprised of three regions and 14 retail divisions, supported by corporate offices in Boise, Idaho; Pleasanton, Calif.; and Phoenix. Banners will include Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs, Albertsons, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw’s, Star Market, Super Saver, United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos. The company has not indicated that it will change the names of any of its stores.



Today, the company operates 2,230 grocery stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia.



In a statement at the time of the merger, Edwards said the larger company planned to continue its active local community focus, which will likely have a pharmacy concentration. In recognition of its outstanding immunization services, the American Pharmacists Association awarded Safeway its Corporate Immunization Champion award in 2014. APhA recognized the chain for its leading-edge position in immunization practice since the supermarket chain began offering immunization services in 2000.



The two chains offer a wide range of immunizations, health screenings and prescription savings programs. Safeway and Albertsons also have added Stayhealthy health kiosks to a number of locations. The combined company will likely extend Albertsons’ successful Diabetes Care Program to selected Safeway locations. The program enrolls patients with diabetes in diabetes seminars, diabetes management classes, or a six-month program of education and follow-up to encourage sustainable healthy lifestyle choices.