There were a number of reports last week speculating that Cerberus Capital Management may decide to expand its grocery business by bidding on existing supermarket chains. Cerberus led an investor group earlier this year in the purchase of several Supervalu banners, including Albertsons and Acme.
Much of the recent speculation has focused on Harris Teeter, a publicly-traded chain with about 200 stores on the east coast that has been exploring a potential sale for months. Private equity firm Bain Capital has also been rumored to be looking at the chain.