Report: Albertsons considering takeover of Whole Foods

Talk of a potential sale of Whole Foods Market continued Monday when the Financial Times reported that Albertsons is studying a takeover of the struggling Austin, Texas-based retailer.

Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons is controlled by buyout group Cerberus Capital Management, the Financial Times noted in its story.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that an activist investor amassed a large stake in Whole Foods Market and wanted the organic retailer to spur its turnaround and even explore a possible sale, Bloomberg later reported that Amazon considered a takeover of Whole Foods last fall but backed off.

According to the Wall Street Journal report, Jana Partners LLC has built up an 8.8 percent stake in Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods and wants it to improve its technology and operations to better compete with larger rivals.

Bloomberg also reported that “Jana has called for Whole Foods to overhaul its operations and brought in retail and food experts to help foster a turnaround. It also urged the company to consider a sale.”

The Kroger Co. is also rumored to be candidate to purchase Whole Foods. According to Barclays, Whole Foods has lost between nine to 14 million customers over the past six quarters.