Report: Southeastern Grocers Seeking Sale

More than a year after it pulled the plug on plans to go public, the For Sale sign at Southeastern Grocers (SEG) appears to be in the window, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. 

The parent company of Winn-Dixie, Harveys Supermarket and Fresco y Más is said to be in talks with prospective buyers. The news of a possible sale comes just weeks after Kroger and Albertsons announced the two grocers have agreed to merge, pending the requisite government approvals. 

An SEG spokesperson told Store Brands, "We do not comment on market rumors. With that said, we are always reviewing ways to enhance shareholder value, and to the extent that credible strategic or other shareholder value enhancing transactions emerge, we have an obligation to consider them. While the potential for any such transaction remains ever present in our industry, we will remain focused upon advancing our transformational strategy, supporting our associates and delivering a world-class shopping experience for our customers."

Based in Jacksonville, Fla., SEG operates about 420 grocery stores, 140 liquor stores and more than 200 in-store pharmacies throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.