There is a new runner in the race for a potential acquisition of Whole Foods.
The Financial Times reported that Albertsons backer Cerberus Capital Management had preliminary talks about making a bid on the banner with bankers, according to two anonymous sources close to the matter.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that Albertsons has shown interst in buying up and organic-focused banner. We recently reported that the company had initiated talks with Sprouts Farmers Market, though no further traction has been made known.
A formal bid has not yet been made, according to the report, but news of the interest spiked Whole Foods' stock to its highest peak since Jana Partners LLC bought a sizable stake in the company a couple of weeks ago. Bloomberg reported that numbers climbed as high as 4.5 percent to $37.33 on Monday.
Cerberus and Whole Foods declined to comment on the possible acquisition, but speculation continues to stir.
Whole Foods recently hired veteran attorney Heather Stern as its General Counsel and Global Vice President of Legal Affairs, who is known for having experience in retail mergers and acquisitions. Combined with news having recently broken of Amazon looking into acquiring the chain last year and possible interest from Kroger, we are left to wonder if we might soon see a for sale sign for the retailer.
Deli Market News will be on the lookout for updates on this and other news in the buy-side.
