Tops To Sell Convenience Stores
By George Anderson
Top Markets, a division of Ahold, plans to divest itself of 204 convenience stores it owns operating under the Wilson Farms Neighborhood Food Stores, Sugarcreek Stores and Tops
Xpress banners.
According to a Reuters report, “The planned divestment is part of Ahold’s strategic restructuring to focus on its core food businesses after emerging from a one-billion-euro
accounting scandal.”
Moderator’s Comment: Do you agree with Ahold’s decision to sell convenience store assets? What other moves do you expect the company to make in its U.S.
businesses?
Not long ago, Ahold’s stated strategy was to be able to bring food to consumers in whatever setting they preferred (foodservice, supermarket, home delivery).
It would appear that, with the sale of convenience stores and the expected eventual sale of US Foodservice, the company has decided it’s best to simply be a supermarketer.
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George
Anderson – Moderator