RUMOR-Ukrops purchased by Harris Teeter

[Emit Remmus]

Heard that around the office today from a friend of the Ukrops family. They said that there will be an official announcement soon.

This was posted a few minutes ago.

http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/07/14/ukrop’s-for-sale/

The website for a grocery trade journal is reporting today that a prospectus for Ukrop’s has been circulated to prospective buyers, which might include grocers such as Minnesota-based Supervalu and North Carolina-based Harris Teeter.

Ukrop’s said in an email that the company does not comment on rumors. A PR spokesperson for Harris Teeter said her company doesn’t comment on rumors.

BizSense received multiple reports that Harris Teeter had applied for ABC licenses at 29 locations around Richmond, but ABC spokesperson Jennifer Farinholt said that Harris Teeter only has a few pending applications in Northern Virginia and Virginia Beach—none in the Richmond area.

 

[xjohnx]

Good riddance.

 

[VCU MJ]

Good riddance.

John, I thought you were a champion of the local business vs Corporate sameness.

I would not be suprised if this is true. The Ukrops already are getting out of the Banking buisness, and have lost thier top spot to FoodLion as the Grocer of choice.

I have my issues with the Ukrops family goings-on, but this is not good for Richmond. Its just one more homegrown, local giver, not around. Trust me, that Supervalu will be a big step down in customer service.

 

[RamboRowdy]

I been working there for 3 years now. I started before my senior year of HS. It would be a shame to see a family owned business well known for its customer service die

 

[RamChris]

Well, as rumors go, this is a good one. Interesting to see how it pans out. Thanks.

 

[Mercury]

Used to work at the Krop don't really care either way good to have a grocery store that is decent and sells booze in richmond though

 

[xjohnx]

Good riddance.

John, I thought you were a champion of the local business vs Corporate sameness.

You're confusing me with sometimes.

 

[buckwheat]

what we really need down here is a wegmans, aka: the most kick ass grocery store on the face of the planet.

 

[Deuce]

Harris Teeter is actually pretty decent. Better than Food Lion in my opinion(I don't even know why that has the top spot...oh wait, it's Richmond...)

 

[VCU MJ]

Good riddance.

John, I thought you were a champion of the local business vs Corporate sameness.

You're confusing me with sometimes.

My bad John..

Food Lion has become the biggest local grocer because the greater richmond area is very price aware! That said Ukrop's could easily regain its top spot by A) selling beer & wine, and B) opening reduced Sunday hours.

 

[major ram]

if this happens it is not good for richmond, the CAA, or even the grocery shopping public. Food Lion is first in the area because they have 50+ stores to Krops' 25+ stores.
No doubt there will be job losses during a consolidation and the seller is usually the loser in those situations. Rmember Ukrops is a big $$$ factor in the CAA tourney, will the purchasor be so generous???

 

[VRam]

Harris Teeter? Isn't he the guy who hangs upside down in the infomercials?

 

[RamboRowdy]

News just reported Bobby Ukrop has shut down the rumors of Ukrops being sold and let everyone know its speculation. Also all Ukrops employees which included myself received letters saying that should the store ever be sold Robert Ukrops himself will announce it to us first rather than the sale be announced on internet to everyone randomly.

 

[xjohnx]

Ukrop, however, did not dispute published reports that the chain had issued a prospectus. "Anything I say at this point will add fuel to the fire," he wrote.
....
He said the initial step for a company like Ukrop's would be to hire an investment banker who would look for a potential buyer that has the capital or access to capital to make the deal, which could be difficult in the current credit market.

Until then, it is likely that the chain will stay mum on its future.

"You don't want it to get out for a myriad of reasons," Reed said.

 

[Ramdom]

what we really need down here is a wegmans, aka: the most kick ass grocery store on the face of the planet.

I'm hearing that the is one Wegmann's planned for Richmond...off Nuckols road.