Supermarket chains Gelson’s Markets and Smart & Final are interested in buying some of Haggen’s locations. Haggens Inc. recently announced the closure of all stores in California, Nevada and Arizona.
Haggen struggled after buying 146 Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and Safeway grocery stores in December. In September, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Gelson’s signed a purchase agreement for eight California stores and Smart & Final signed an agreement for 28 stores in California and Nevada. Both agreements are subject to bankruptcy court approval.
Gelson’s, based in Encino, is a high-end supermarket chain with 18 stores across Southern California. The company did not provide financial details of the bid.
City of Commerce-based Smart & Final said it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Haggen store leases and related assets for $56 million in cash. If approved, the deal is expected to close during the fourth quarter. Smart & Final operates 270 stores.
An auction is scheduled Nov. 9.
Gelson’s is bidding on stores in:
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Ladera Ranch
- Laguna Beach
- San Diego
- Rancho Mirage
- Santa Monica
- Thousand Oaks
Smart & Final is bidding on stores in:
- Atascadero
- Carlsbad
- Carpinteria
- Chino Hills
- Chula Vista
- Corona del Mar
- Coronado
- El Cajon (2)
- La Mesa
- Newbury Park
- Palmdale
- Paso Robles
- Redondo Beach
- San Diego (2)
- San Luis Obispo
- San Pedro
- San Ysidro
- Santa Barbara
- Santee
- Simi Valley
- Torrance
- Trabuco Canyon
- Ventura
- Westlake Village
- Yorba Linda