Ukrop’s finally ready to talk *UPDATED*

After a meeting with managers earlier today, the big-ups at Ukrop’s will be holding a press conference at 4pm at the Sheraton West Hotel…

December 17, 2009; 2:22 PM • by Valerie Catrow

After a meeting with managers earlier today, the big-ups at Ukrop’s will be holding a press conference at 4pm at the Sheraton Richmond West Hotel.

Meanwhile, Ahold (an international group of supermarkets in Europe in the US) announced on their site today that Giant-Carlisle (a division of their company) “will expand its presence in Virginia by acquiring 25 stores from Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc.”

Stay tuned for more.

Update

Just got an email from Tracy Pawelski, Director of Public and Community Relations for
Giant Food Stores and Martin’s Food Markets. She sent along a press release giving specifics on the sale of Ukrop’s to Ahold/Giant-Carlisle:

• Purchase price: $140 million (give or take)
• The transaction includes stores, inventory, and equipment, lease agreements, and one new store location.
• They will be hiring Ukrop’s store associates.

The sale is expected to be final in the first quarter of 2010.

And this also just in from Ms. Pawelski in response to questions over selling alcohol and being open on Sundays:

For the time being, stores will continue to operate as they have in the past. As we learn more about the Ukrop’s business, we’ll make changes that we believe will add value for customers. We intend to build on the Ukrop’s heritage and strengths and introduce, over time, characteristics for which GIANT and MARTIN’S are well-known. We expect to make those decisions later in 2010.

More from today’s press conference

• Stores will retain the Ukrop’s name for the time being.
• First Market will stay open and in their current locations.
• Bakery and prepared foods will be another company/division led by Bobby Ukrop as CEO. Giant-Carlisle will be their main customer.
• They will continue to use local vendors, including their seafood providers, farmers, and florists.
• They will stay involved with the Monument Avenue 10k through the Ukrop’s Foundation. Other community efforts led and supported by Ukrop’s won’t be left hanging, but how Ukrop’s will be involved is yet to be determined.
• The acquisition includes 24 Richmond stores and one location in Williamsburg. Joe’s Market is not included in this purchase.

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.

December 17, 2009 2:22 PM 33