Parent company merging with that of Stop & Shop
Katie Landeck
News Staff Writer
GARDNER As the parent companies of both Hannaford Bros. and Stop & Shop prepare to merge, the fate of both grocery store chains’ locations in Gardner remain uncertain.
“It is too early to comment on the specifics before a full integration plan has been completed,” said Hannaford spokesman Eric Blom. “All of our stores continue to operate as they always have, without change.”
Last week, Dutch retailer Royal Ahold NV — the parent company of Hannaford — announced plans to merge with its rival, Belgium’s Delhaize Group, according to the Associated Press. If the merger goes through, the new company, to be named Ahold Delhaize, will be the fourth-largest U.S. grocer.
The merger is expected to be completed by mid-2016, according to Mr. Blom, at which point more information will become available about what customers and employees can expect.
“Ahold and Delhaize have highly complementary geographic footprints, but as a matter of process, federal regulators will review the operations of both companies,” Mr. Blom commented.
According to reports, the merger will help the two stores to better compete against discount retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Dollar General, by giving them more leverage when purchasing from suppliers.
The hope is it would enable them to buy more at lower prices, a benefit they could then pass on to consumers — and lure back those shoppers who left for better deals.
“Hannaford would be able to offer customers an expanded range of high-quality goods and services at competitive prices, with an even broader selection of private-brand products,” Mr. Blom said.
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